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WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 03838 Water Quality Report

Glen, NH · Carroll County County

Safety Score
F

Water Safety Grade

Failing — Serious compliance issues

Health Violations

21

Total Violations

27

Lead Risk

High

Contaminants

4

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Active Water Quality Issues Detected

EPA records show 12 unresolved violations. Contact Lower Bartlett Water Pct for current status.

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 03838

Tap water in ZIP code 03838 (Glen, NH) has received a failing F grade (score: 15/100) based on EPA compliance data. Lower Bartlett Water Pct has a significant history of water quality violations. Residents are strongly encouraged to use a certified water filter and contact their local water authority for current advisories.

Water System

Lower Bartlett Water Pct

EPA ID: NH0161020

Water Source

Ground Water

Population Served

3,800 residents

County

Carroll County County, New Hampshire

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Lead Levels in ZIP 03838

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

Lead Level: 23.0 ppb — EXCEEDS EPA Action Level

The 90th percentile lead level in 03838 is 23.0 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 Lower Bartlett Water Pct immediately for current guidance, or call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

Lead exposure risk in 03838 is rated High. EPA models estimate a 69% 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)
23.00 ppb (0.023 mg/L)
Copper Level (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L

1.75 mg/L
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
High
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

69%
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

Lower Bartlett Water Pct has recorded 21 health-based violations in the past 5 years — significantly above the national average. This volume of violations indicates serious and recurring compliance issues. Independent water testing and in-home filtration are strongly recommended. 12 violations are currently unresolved — meaning the issue has not yet been formally corrected in EPA records. This is a serious concern that residents should follow up on with their water utility.

Total Violations (5 yr)
27
Health-Based Violations
21
Unresolved Violations
12
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
Critical

Regulatory compliance risk is rated Critical — the highest risk category. Lower Bartlett Water Pct 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 4 contaminants associated with health-based violations in ZIP code 03838: Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM), Stage 1 DBP Rule, Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), E. coli. 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.

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM)Stage 1 DBP RuleHaloacetic Acids (HAA5)E. coli

⚖ Enforcement Actions

10 enforcement actions have been issued against Lower Bartlett Water Pct — 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

Highest potential

Zone 1
Annual Flood Risk Cost

Estimated annual flood-related costs per property

$3
Energy Burden

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

4.05%

EPA Radon Zone 1 — highest potential for radon in indoor air. Homeowners should test their home for radon and consider mitigation if levels exceed 4 pCi/L.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 03838 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 Lower Bartlett Water Pct 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 03838 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 03838?+
Tap water in 03838 has a below-average water quality grade of F. 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 03838 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 03838 is 23.0 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 03838?+
Tap water in ZIP code 03838 is provided by Lower Bartlett Water Pct (EPA ID: NH0161020). This system serves approximately 3,800 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 03838?+
ZIP code 03838 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 03838 have any active water quality violations?+
Yes — there are currently 12 unresolved violations on record for this water system. Unresolved violations indicate issues that have not yet been formally corrected in EPA tracking systems. Contact Lower Bartlett Water Pct for the latest update.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 03838?+
Your water utility — Lower Bartlett Water Pct — 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 "Lower Bartlett Water Pct Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 03838?+
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 03838, with detected contaminants including Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) and Stage 1 DBP Rule, a multi-stage filter or reverse osmosis system is recommended.
Is 03838 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 23.0 ppb in 03838, 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 03838 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 Lower Bartlett Water Pct. 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 →