Drinking Water
Exeter's municipal water system provides drinking water and fire protection to the majority of the Town's population. The Town relies on a combination of surface water and groundwater to meet Exeter's water supply needs. The majority of the water produced in town comes from the Water Treatment Plant.
The primary water supply source is the Exeter River which is pumped to the Water Treatment Plant. Exeter also uses the Exeter Reservoir which is fed by Dearborn Brook, adjacent to the Water Treatment Plant. Exeter's groundwater sources include Skinner Springs, Stadium Well, Gilman Well, and Lary Lane well.
Additionally, Exeter's water distribution system includes three storage tanks (Epping Road, Hampton Road, and Cross Road), four pumping stations, and approximately 55 miles of water pipe.
If you are experiencing a water problem with the municipal water supply (no water, low water pressure, odor, red-black-brown water):
Contact the Water Treatment Plant 603-773-6169
A link to the EPA to identify lead-free certification marks for drinking water and plumbing materials is below.
Water Main Breaks or Water Service Interruptions:
Water main breaks most commonly occur during the winter months due to freezing temperatures and rapid temperature changes. A water main is a large underground pipe that carries treated drinking water from the Town’s water system to homes and businesses. When the ground freezes and shifts, it places stress on these pipes. As water temperatures drop and demand fluctuates, older or weakened sections of pipe can crack or rupture, causing a break. While winter conditions increase the likelihood, water main breaks can happen at any time of year due to aging infrastructure, corrosion, soil movement, or sudden pressure changes.
When a water main break occurs, crews work quickly to isolate the affected section, make repairs, and restore service as safely and efficiently as possible. Depending on the location and severity, some residents may experience temporary water interruptions or reduced pressure. Due to the unexpected occurrence of these situations, during the day or overnight, we encourage residents to be prepared.
We recommend preparing by storing an adequate water supply for the day. Suggested precautions include:
- Filling pitchers or containers with drinking water
- Filling sinks or bathtubs for household use
- Purchasing bottled water if needed
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