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WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 03823 Water Quality Report

Madbury, NH · Strafford County County

Safety Score
D

Water Safety Grade

Poor — Multiple violations recorded

Health Violations

3

Total Violations

15

Lead Risk

High

Contaminants

2

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Active Water Quality Issues Detected

EPA records show 0 unresolved violation. Contact Dover Water Department for current status.

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 03823

Tap water in ZIP code 03823 (Madbury, NH) has received a D grade (score: 46/100) — below average for the nation. Dover Water Department has recorded notable violations with EPA Safe Drinking Water Act regulations. Residents may want to consider additional filtration and review their annual Consumer Confidence Report.

Water System

Dover Water Department

EPA ID: NH0651010

Water Source

Ground Water

Population Served

29,000 residents

County

Strafford County County, New Hampshire

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Lead Levels in ZIP 03823

EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb

Lead Level: 28.0 ppb — EXCEEDS EPA Action Level

The 90th percentile lead level in 03823 is 28.0 ppb, which EXCEEDS the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This is a serious concern. The water utility is legally required to notify residents, identify the source of contamination, and take corrective action. Do not give this water to infants, children, or pregnant women without first passing it through a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter. Contact Dover Water Department immediately for current guidance, or call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

Lead exposure risk in 03823 is rated High. EPA models estimate a 68% probability of lead exposure risk in this ZIP code based on housing age, infrastructure age, and water system data. This typically reflects older housing stock built before 1986 (when lead pipes were banned), aging distribution infrastructure, or detected lead levels in water samples. Families should prioritize getting their tap water tested independently and installing a certified lead-reducing filter.

Lead Level (90th percentile)
28.00 ppb (0.028 mg/L)
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
High
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

68%
Note: Lead levels above are the 90th percentile from EPA monitoring — meaning 90% of samples were at or below this level. Even "undetected" tap water lead doesn't account for lead leaching from home plumbing. If your home was built before 1986, individual tap testing is recommended.
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Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

Dover Water Department has recorded 3 health-based violations in the past 5 years. Multiple health violations suggest recurring compliance challenges. Residents should request a copy of the annual Consumer Confidence Report to understand what contaminants were involved and what corrective actions were taken.

Total Violations (5 yr)
15
Health-Based Violations
3
Unresolved Violations
0
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
Critical

Regulatory compliance risk is rated Critical — the highest risk category. Dover Water Department has an extensive history of unresolved violations and enforcement actions. Independent water testing is highly recommended.

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

EPA records identify 2 contaminants associated with health-based violations in ZIP code 03823: Consumer Confidence Report Rule, Contaminant 0700. These contaminants exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) established by the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act at some point in the 5-year monitoring period. The presence of these violations does not necessarily mean water is currently unsafe — water systems are often required to increase monitoring and treatment when violations occur. Review the annual Consumer Confidence Report for the most current status.

Consumer Confidence Report RuleContaminant 0700

⚖ Enforcement Actions

10 enforcement actions have been issued against Dover Water Department — a high number that reflects sustained compliance struggles. Enforcement actions escalate from administrative orders to financial penalties when utilities repeatedly fail to meet safe drinking water standards.
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Water Source & Environmental Factors

Ground Water

This system draws water from underground aquifers. Groundwater is naturally filtered through soil and rock, but can still contain naturally occurring minerals like arsenic, radium, or nitrates.

Water Source Type
Ground Water
EPA Radon Zone

Moderate potential

Zone 2
Energy Burden

% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure

1.91%

EPA Radon Zone 2 — moderate radon potential. The EPA recommends testing your home regardless of zone designation.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 03823 Recommendations

  • 🚨 Install a certified NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 (reverse osmosis) filter immediately for drinking and cooking
  • 🚨 Do not give unfiltered water to children, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals
  • 🚨 Contact Dover Water Department to request the current violation status and corrective action plan
  • 🚨 Report concerns to your state environmental agency or call the EPA hotline: 1-800-426-4791
  • 🚨 Consider having your home's tap water independently tested by a certified lab

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 03823 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 03823?+
Tap water in 03823 has a below-average water quality grade of D. While it is treated, there have been notable compliance issues. We strongly recommend using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter for drinking and cooking, especially for vulnerable populations.
What is the lead level in 03823 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 03823 is 28.0 ppb (parts per billion). The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This exceeds the EPA action level — use a certified lead-reducing water filter.
Who provides tap water to 03823?+
Tap water in ZIP code 03823 is provided by Dover Water Department (EPA ID: NH0651010). This system serves approximately 29,000 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 03823?+
ZIP code 03823 is served by ground water. Groundwater systems draw from underground aquifers. While naturally filtered, groundwater can still contain naturally occurring contaminants such as arsenic, radium, or nitrates at elevated levels in some regions.
Does 03823 have any active water quality violations?+
There are 3 health-based violations in the past 5-year record, but no currently unresolved violations according to EPA data. This means past issues have been addressed.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 03823?+
Your water utility — Dover Water Department — is required by law to send you an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) by July 1 each year. You can also request it directly from the utility or find it online by searching "Dover Water Department Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 03823?+
The right filter depends on what contaminants are present. For lead, look for a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53. For chlorine byproducts (like THMs), NSF/ANSI 42 filters work well. For a broad range of contaminants including PFAS, look for NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) systems. For ZIP code 03823, with detected contaminants including Consumer Confidence Report Rule and Contaminant 0700, a multi-stage filter or reverse osmosis system is recommended.
Is 03823 tap water safe for babies and infants?+
Infants are especially vulnerable to lead, nitrates, and microbial contaminants in drinking water. Given the detected lead level of 28.0 ppb in 03823, we recommend using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter or certified bottled water for preparing infant formula. Always consult your pediatrician for guidance specific to your child's health.

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 03823 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by Dover Water Department. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →