Hanover Water Department

What is a Consumer Confidence Report? The Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) provides detailed information about your water quality, its source, and where to find additional data. This yearly document records all detected primary and secondary water parameters and compares them to Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs).

Water sources include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water moves across land or through soil, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and sometimes radioactive material, while also picking up substances from animal or human activities.

Potential contaminants in source water include:

• Microbial contaminants from sewage treatment facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants like salts and metals from natural sources, urban runoff, industrial discharges, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, stormwater runoff, and residential usage
• Organic chemical contaminants from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants occurring naturally or resulting from oil/gas production and mining

The EPA establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems to ensure safety. Similarly, FDA regulations set limits for bottled water contaminants to provide equivalent public health protection.

Hanover's water comes from three reservoirs in two watersheds: Fletcher and Parker Reservoirs in the Camp Brook watershed near Grasse Road, and Jack Nelson Reservoir in the Mink Brook watershed at Hanover Center. The water undergoes treatment to remove color, taste, and odor-causing contaminants including iron, manganese, and algae. Sodium hypochlorite disinfects against bacteria and viruses, while sodium bicarbonate and poly-ortho phosphate prevent lead and copper leaching from household plumbing. Fluoride is added to support dental health.

Some individuals may be particularly vulnerable to certain contaminants, including the immunocompromised, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, the elderly, and infants. These individuals should consult healthcare providers about their drinking water.

For questions about your water quality, contact Todd Cartier, Water Department Superintendent (640-3236, todd.cartier@hanovernh.org) or Peter Kulbacki, Director of Public Works (634-3327, peter.kulbacki@hanovernh.org). For billing inquiries or service appointments, contact the Water Department at 643-3327 or dpw@hanovernh.org.

1. How do I turn off water to make plumbing repairs at my home? Most fixtures (faucets, toilets, etc.) have individual shut-off valves. If these don't work, locate your home's master valve, typically near your water heater. If the master valve malfunctions, contact the Water Division to shut off water at the street. Consider replacing non-working valves—you may need them in an emergency.
2. Where/how do I pay my bill? Bills can be paid online through the City website with your account number or by phone using credit/debit cards at 1-844-235-2019.
3. I'm setting up my water softener, what is the water hardness? The water hardness measures 14 grains per gallon.
4. Why is there an irrigation fee and a water fee? The irrigation fee is a year-round, monthly flat rate for landscape watering using municipal water. It's calculated based on average residential home watering needs and measured landscaping for commercial properties.
5. Where can I find more information on the City's water facility plan? The plan is available on the City website under Water Facility Plan.
6. Who's responsible for repairing a water leak? A service line carries water from the main street line to your home. Responsibility divides at a valve located near the property line. When this valve is closed, it should stop any leak on the homeowner's side, making repairs the homeowner's responsibility. If the leak continues with the valve off, the City is responsible for repairs.