Manchester Water Works

Where Does My Water Come From?

Since 1874, Lake Massabesic has served as the primary water source for Manchester and portions of six surrounding communities. To meet strict state and federal water quality standards, all lake water undergoes thorough purification at Manchester's Water Treatment Plant. This facility, completed in 1974, has received regular technology upgrades to enhance quality control and operational efficiency, with major renovations in 2003-06.

Located adjacent to Lake Massabesic, the plant processes all municipal water before distribution through a 500-mile network of pipes to homes and businesses. By approximately 2022, the Merrimack River will provide additional supply for customers through a new treatment facility in Hooksett, NH, designed to match or exceed the high-quality standards of the Lake Massabesic plant.

Important Health Information

Certain populations may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than others. People with compromised immune systems—including those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, individuals with HIV/AIDS, the elderly, and infants—may face increased infection risks. These individuals should consult healthcare providers about their water consumption. Guidelines from the EPA and CDC on reducing Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminant risks are available via the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

Our Commitment to Quality

Delivering exceptional municipal water involves complex processes beyond simple distribution. Our treatment professionals possess expertise across multiple disciplines including mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics. Their responsibilities include equipment operation, monitoring, testing, maintaining optimal water chemistry, and community education—all to ensure every drop meets the highest standards.

Protecting Your Water Supply

While bacteria are essential to human health (with approximately 40 trillion bacteria living in each person), coliform bacteria in drinking water indicates potential contamination with disease-causing organisms. The 2016 EPA Revised Total Coliform Rule requires water systems to implement additional safeguards and monitoring protocols to ensure distribution system integrity. Manchester Water Works continually works to eliminate all potential contamination pathways into our distribution system.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Trash Pickup And Recycling

• How Do I Get Information About Trash Collection And Disposal?
• How Do I Get Rid Of Large Appliances Or Furniture?
• How Do I Make Changes To My Curbside Collection Service?
• What Are The Rules For Yard Waste Collection?
• What Are Your Hours Of Operation?
• What Forms Of Payment Are Accepted At The Transfer Station And The Landfill?
• What Is Accepted In The Curbside Recycling Program?
• Where Can I Recycle A Large Amount Of Clean Corrugated Cardboard?

Environmental Concerns

• How Can I Dispose Of Old Alkaline And Single-use Household Batteries?
• How Can I Get Rid Of My Old Paint?
• How Do I Get Rid My Medical Sharps? (*medical Sharps Are Hypodermic Needs, Lancets Used To Prick Fingers To Test Blood, Etc.)
• How Should I Dispose Of My Old Rechargeable Batteries?
• What Do I Do If I Break A Device Containing Mercury, Such As Thermometers, Thermostats, And Fluorescent Lamps?
• What Do I Do With This Old Mercury?
• What Is The Problem With Old Fluorescent Light Tubes And Compact Fluorescent Lamps (cfls)?
• What Should I Do If I Find A Spot Where Illegal Dumping Has Taken Place?
• What Should I Do If I See Someone In The Act Of Illegally Dumping On The Right Of Way Or On Private Property?
• What Should I Do With My Old Mercury Thermostat, Mercury Thermometer Or Other Mercury Containing Device?
• Where Can I Recycle Computers And Televisions?
• Where Can I Take My Used Oil?
• Where Do I Call If I Want To Make An Environmental Related Complaint?
• Where Do I Dispose Of Hazardous Waste From My Small Business?