Water News

While significant rainfall at the end of July into August was beneficial at the time for Portsmouth's water supply, the extreme heat conditions continue to place strain on the City's water system. The ongoing heat increases water supply demands and places further stress to treat quality issues due to added organics within the water. Additionally, the annual precipitation average remains below normal due to the dry spring and the City continues to operate without the support of the Haven Well.

The City of Portsmouth’s Water Division has been named a recipient of the New England Water Works Association’s (NEWWA) Public Communications Award; this award recognizes excellence in communications through comprehensive public outreach materials and programs.

Public Works Deputy Director Brian Goetz recently joined a group discussion with New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR) on water conservation and managing current drought conditions. You can listen to the interview here.

For more information on drought conditions:

The Portsmouth Water Division has released their monthly Water Supply Status Report for July. According to the latest report, there are no water use restrictions at this time; however, due to the below normal precipitation pattern and high water demand, Portsmouth water customers are encouraged to:

Each year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires community water systems to deliver a Consumer Confidence Report – also known as an Annual Drinking Water Quality Report – to their customers. These reports, which are mailed out to water customers by July 1st, provide information about their drinking water quality from the previous year of sampling including a summary of detected contaminants, compliance, and educational information.

On Thursday, April 26th, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., the Portsmouth Water Department will be shutting off the water main on Islington Street spanning the Route 1 Bypass to Essex Avenue, as well as Barberry Lane and Foch Avenue. The purpose of this shut down is to allow a crew from Lyman Construction to replace and relocate the hydrant at 1200 Islington Street.

*April 24, 2018 Update: The entire supply of compost bins is now gone.

As we approach Earth Day this Sunday, April 22nd, the City of Portsmouth continues to work to make food waste composting easier for residents.

On Wednesday evening, March 28th, between the hours of 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., the Portsmouth Water Department will be shutting off the water main on Green Street. The purpose of this shut down is to allow crews to install a new valve, and cut and cap the main on both sides of the railroad tracks for the NH DOT replacement of the tracks at the road crossing.

When the water mains are turned back on, those within that area may experience some air or discoloration. Please run your COLD water for a few minutes and it should clear; there is no danger associated with this color. 

Brian Goetz, Portsmouth’s Deputy Director of Public Works, received the 2017 Award of Merit from the New England Water Works Association (NEWWA), the region’s largest and oldest not-for-profit organization of water works professionals.