Water Hardness in Manchester, NH

Q: Do I need a water softener in Manchester, NH?

At a citywide weighted average of 25 PPM, Manchester has relatively soft water. A water softener is generally not necessary.

Q: How many water systems serve Manchester, NH?

Manchester, New Hampshire has 20 matched water systems across 5 zip codes.

New Hampshire · 5 zip codes · 20 matched water systems

25 PPM

1.5 GPG

Soft

0Soft60120180300+

Verified — Annual Water Quality Report

City avg (weighted): 25 PPM

Dataset updated March 9, 202620 matched water systems in the city rollupIndividual systems and ZIPs can differ. Methodology

System used for this reading

Manchester Water Works

NH1471010

Water source: surface water

Serves: 123,500

USGS environmental estimate: 23 PPM

Source context

How this city reading is built

This city reading is a weighted rollup across 20 matched water systems and 5 ZIP codes. Citywide readings are useful for comparison, but individual utility zones and ZIPs can differ.

Source basis

20 verified treated-water sources

20 matched systems total for this city; treated-water reports are prioritized when available.

Water source profile

Primarily surface water

Surface-water hardness can shift with reservoirs, runoff, season, and treatment. This profile is weighted by known population served across matched systems.

Data recency

March 9, 2026

Dataset rebuilt March 9, 2026; individual utility reporting years can vary.

Hardness is a mineral-content reading, not a drinking-water safety rating. Use it for scale, appliance, and softener decisions; check your utility report or test your tap before sizing treatment equipment. See how we calculate local readings.

Water Systems in Manchester

These systems are matched to Manchester, NH. Citywide readings are useful for comparison, but the system serving a specific address may differ from the city average.

20 water systems

PWSID is the public water system identifier. Data Source shows whether the hardness value comes from a treated-water report, USGS monitoring, or a local estimate; source year is shown when available.

Water System	Source	Hardness	Pop. Served	Data Source
Manchester Water Works NH1471010	surface water	25 PPM Soft USGS estimate: 23 PPM	123,500	Verified — Annual Water Quality Report
Pennichuck Water Works NH1621010	surface water	25 PPM Soft USGS estimate: 80 PPM	89,073	Verified — Annual Water Quality Report
Merrimack Village Dist NH1531010	groundwater	25 PPM Soft USGS estimate: 80 PPM	25,500	Verified — Annual Water Quality Report
Hudson Water Dept NH1201010	groundwater	25 PPM Soft USGS estimate: 80 PPM	16,700	Verified — Annual Water Quality Report
Samoset At Winnipesaukee NH0882160	groundwater	19 PPM Soft USGS estimate: 80 PPM	343	Verified — Annual Water Quality Report

Manchester Water Works

NH1471010

Soft

25 PPMsurface water123,500 servedVerified — Annual Water Quality Report

Source water: 23 PPM

Pennichuck Water Works

NH1621010

Soft

25 PPMsurface water89,073 servedVerified — Annual Water Quality Report

Source water: 80 PPM

Merrimack Village Dist

NH1531010

Soft

25 PPMgroundwater25,500 servedVerified — Annual Water Quality Report

Source water: 80 PPM

Hudson Water Dept

NH1201010

Soft

25 PPMgroundwater16,700 servedVerified — Annual Water Quality Report

Source water: 80 PPM

Samoset At Winnipesaukee

NH0882160

Soft

19 PPMgroundwater343 servedVerified — Annual Water Quality Report

Source water: 80 PPM

Showing the first 5 systems. Expand to review all matched systems.

Zip Codes in Manchester, NH

0310125 0310225 0310325 0310425 0310925

What This Means For You

Recommendations are based on the displayed hardness reading. Confirm your tap reading before sizing or buying treatment equipment.

Your Water Is Soft

Your water hardness is in the soft range. You likely don't need a water softener. Enjoy your naturally soft water!

Know your water hardness?

If you've tested your water or have your utility's CCR report, share your reading to help us improve accuracy for Manchester, NH.

Submit Your Data

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is the water in Manchester, NH?

The citywide weighted average water hardness in Manchester, NH is 25 PPM (1.5 GPG), classified as soft. This is based on 20 matched water systems.

Do I need a water softener in Manchester, NH?

At 25 PPM, the citywide average is relatively soft. A water softener is generally not necessary.

Is hard water in Manchester, NH safe to drink?

Water hardness itself is a mineral-content reading, not a drinking-water safety rating. Calcium and magnesium are naturally occurring minerals, but you should check your utility's Consumer Confidence Report for contaminant and compliance information.

How many water systems serve Manchester, NH?

Manchester, New Hampshire is served by 20 matched water systems across 5 zip codes.

Learn More About Your Water

Water Hardness Scale: PPM and GPG Chart

Use the USGS water hardness scale to compare PPM, GPG, and mg/L levels from soft to very hard water.

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Compare free lookups, soap tests, test strips, liquid drop kits, and lab tests for measuring water hardness.

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