DPW Press Releases

On December 31, 2018, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) initiated rulemaking to establish Maximum Contaminate Levels (MCLs) and Ambient Groundwater Quality Standards (AGQS) for four per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) - perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) to ensure greater protection of public health related to the consumption of drinking water.

As shown below, various Portsmouth departments have different office hours and closures in affect during this holiday season. Those with car registrations and more due at the end of the month should note that City Hall will not be open on New Year’s Eve, December 31st; instead City Hall will have extended hours on Friday, December 28th, remaining open until 4:30 p.m.

City Hall

The City of Portsmouth’s Water Division is pleased to announce the acquisition of a conservation easement on 72 acres of property adjacent to the Bellamy Reservoir in Madbury, New Hampshire from Dave Olson. This easement was realized through the combined efforts of the City, the Southeast Land Trust (SELT), the Town of Madbury and the State of New Hampshire’s Drinking Water and Groundwater Trust Fund.

In October, Portsmouth opened its new, 600-space parking garage at 100 Foundry Place. With easy access to major travel corridors, both residents and visitors can easily enjoy quick access to Downtown Portsmouth during the busy holiday season. At just $1.00 per hour, the Foundry is the best rate available in town.

On Monday, November 19th, utility work will occur on the intersection of Court Street and Pleasant Street. Court Street will be closed between Pleasant and Church Streets, and the Pleasant and Court Streets' intersection will remain open for traffic coming from State Street or Marcy Street. A detour route will be in place along with signage and flaggers to assist. Work is expected occur between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Beginning the week of November 12th, crews will begin removing the City’s bicycle corrals, Zagster bike share stations, and most of the white reflective plastic delineators along the Middle Street / Lafayette Road new bicycle lanes to avoid conflicts with snow clearing operations during the winter season. All items will be removed before Thanksgiving.

Due to damage to a control box from recent storms, the lights at the South Mill Pond basketball and tennis courts are not functioning properly; users of the courts should be aware that nighttime use is currently limited due to lack of safe lighting. Public Works is addressing this issue and anticipates the repairs to be made within a couple weeks; an update will be posted at that time.