New Hampshire's geology has a substantial affect on the quality of its groundwater. Bedrock geology is primarily granitic. The bedrock is typically overlaid by 50-100' of glacial outwash in the valleys and 0-50' of unsorted till type soils at higher elevations.

The purpose of this summary is to provide a general reference relative to the expected quality of drinking water from surface and groundwater sources. The frequency of contaminant occurrence has been estimated by experienced department staff, commercial laboratories and the commercial water conditioning industry.

The water quality factors identified in this document are generally those of the Safe Drinking Water Act. The term MCL is an abbreviation for Maximum Contamination Levels, which are health related standards. The term SMCL is an abbreviation for Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels which are standards that only relate to esthetics such as taste or odor. This list has been divided into naturally occurring contaminants and manmade contaminants.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
For further information concerning water quality please call DES at 271-3139. For information concerning well depths, yields and for river gauging data please call DES at 271-3406. For a complete list of fact sheets please request WD-WSEB-15-2. Drinking water fact sheets are available through the DES web site at: http://www.des.state.nh.us then select: publications, fact sheets, water division, water supply. 6/98