NH PFAS FAQs

flask in a scientist's hand with lab glassware in the background

What is PFAS?

Throughout the northeast and across the nation, state and local officials, health departments, and water utilities, including Aquarion, have focused their attention on a group of human-made chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

PFAS are a family of chemicals widely used since the 1950s to manufacture common consumer products and are also used in firefighting foams. These substances have been detected in drinking waters, including public and private water supplies, bottled water, consumer products, food, and cookware. They have been linked to a variety of health risks, particularly in women who are pregnant or nursing, and in infants.

EPA PFAS Regulation

On April 10, 2024, the US EPA released the first National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for the following 6 PFAS Compounds: Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), Perfluorononoctanoic acid (PFNA), Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), Perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS), and Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA, aka GenX Chemicals). Although not required to meet the new PFAS maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) specified in the NPDWR until 2029, Aquarion has already begun working to meet these national standards.

Below are the MCL’s set by the NPWDR:

  • PFOA – 4.0 ppt
  • PFOS – 4.0 ppt
  • PFHxS – 10 ppt
  • PFNA – 10 ppt
  • HFPO-DA (commonly known as GenX Chemicals) – 10 ppt
  • PFNA, PFHxS, PFBS, and HFPO-DA – 1.0 Hazard Index (unitless)

* ppt – parts per trillion

New Hampshire PFAS Regulation

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) has set the following drinking water standards for four PFAS compounds:

  • perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) - 12 ng/L
  • perfluoroctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) - 15 ng/L
  • perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) - 11 ng/L
  • perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) - 18 ng/L

The New Hampshire PFAS regulation remains in effect until the EPA MCLs are enforceable. 

What has Aquarion been doing in New Hampshire?

  • Aquarion has tested water from all of its wells, from some of the observation wells in the well fields, the entry points to the distribution system, and at various locations in the distribution system. Since October 2019, Aquarion has been collecting compliance samples from the entry points to the distribution system. Aquarion also completed bench testing and pilot testing on potential PFAS removal systems should treatment be needed in the future to comply with drinking water regulations.
  • Aquarion's latest sampling results are available through the Water Quality Management Department. To learn more, contact Water Quality at 1‑800‑832‑2373.
  • Aquarion also shares PFAS results in its annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs). Aquarion’s latest New Hampshire CCRs are now available at aquarionwater.com/wqr.

Aquarion will remain vigilant about this important issue, including additional testing for PFAS at some of our water sources. We will continue to share test results with our customers and state and local officials. We will also continue to work with the public health agencies and drinking water associations to ensure the protection of our drinking water supplies, and delivery of high-quality water to our customers.