Well Water in Bedford, New Hampshire

Hillsborough County · Population ~23,000 · Aquifer: Glacial Till / Bedrock

Hardness: Moderate to Hard

Bedford is one of New Hampshire's most affluent communities, and a significant portion of residents rely on private wells. The town sits at the edge of the Saint-Gobain PFAS contamination plume from neighboring Merrimack, and many wells have tested positive for PFAS compounds. Combined with naturally occurring arsenic and radon from the bedrock, Bedford well owners face a complex water quality picture.

PFAS Contamination

Bedford's proximity to the Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics facility in Merrimack means PFAS contamination has reached wells in town, particularly in the southern and western portions closest to the contamination source.

NH DES has tested many Bedford wells as part of the ongoing investigation. Wells exceeding New Hampshire's strict PFAS standards are eligible for state-funded treatment systems.

If you haven't been tested, don't assume you're safe. PFAS contamination plumes can be unpredictable — groundwater doesn't follow property lines. See our PFAS guide for details on NH standards and testing.

Arsenic in Bedrock

Like much of southeastern NH, Bedford sits on granitic and metamorphic bedrock that naturally contains arsenic. The NH Geological Survey has mapped Bedford as having elevated arsenic probability.

Approximately 30% of tested wells statewide exceed the EPA arsenic standard of 10 µg/L. Bedford is no exception. Arsenic is tasteless, odorless, and colorless — the only way to know is to test.

See our arsenic guide for health effects and treatment options.

Radon in Water

NH's granite geology produces significant radon in groundwater. When water containing dissolved radon is used for showering, cooking, or laundry, the radon off-gases into indoor air. This is a cancer risk — radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.

There is no federal standard for radon in water, but NH DES recommends testing. Aeration systems or granular activated carbon filters can remove radon from water. See our radon guide.

Testing and Rebates

Bedford well owners should test for: PFAS, arsenic, radon, bacteria (total coliform and E. coli), nitrates, manganese, hardness, pH, and conductivity.

NH DES offers rebates of $5,000-$10,000 for well water treatment systems. Given the range of contaminants possible in Bedford wells, many homeowners will qualify. See our testing guide for certified labs.

NH Treatment Rebates: If your well water exceeds any health-based standards, you may be eligible for $5,000-$10,000 in state rebates toward a treatment system. Check your eligibility.

Every well is different. Two wells on the same street can produce completely different water. The data on this page reflects documented conditions in the Bedford area, but the only way to know what's in your water is to test it.

Sources

  • NH DES — PFAS Investigation Area Maps
  • NH Geological Survey — Arsenic Probability Maps by Town
  • USGS — Radon in Groundwater of New Hampshire
  • NH DES — Private Well Testing Recommendations