Well Water in North Conway, New Hampshire
Carroll County · Population ~2,300 (North Conway); ~12,000 (Conway township) · Aquifer: Glacial Outwash / White Mountain Bedrock
Hardness: Variable — depends on geology
North Conway and the Mount Washington Valley combine a tourism-driven economy with a largely well-dependent residential population. The White Mountain bedrock — some of the oldest and most varied geology in New England — produces a complex water quality picture. Arsenic from granitic intrusions, radon from radioactive minerals, and manganese from schist formations all contribute to well water challenges.
White Mountain Geology
The Mount Washington Valley sits on some of the most geologically complex terrain in New England. The White Mountains are primarily composed of:
- Granitic plutons — massive bodies of granite that intruded into older rock, containing arsenic, uranium, and radon-producing minerals
- Metamorphic schist and gneiss — older rocks that can produce manganese and iron
- Glacial deposits — varying from thick outwash sands (good aquifers) to thin glacial till over bedrock (limited aquifers)
This geological complexity means water quality varies enormously over short distances. The specific bedrock your well penetrates determines what's in your water.
Arsenic in White Mountain Bedrock
The granitic intrusions that form the core of the White Mountains contain naturally occurring arsenic. Some formations are worse than others — the Conway Granite, which underlies much of the valley, is known to produce arsenic in groundwater.
Wells drilled into bedrock (as opposed to shallow wells in glacial deposits) tend to have higher arsenic. Test for arsenic regardless — the only way to know your specific risk is to test your specific well. See our arsenic guide.
Tourism and Water Demand
The Mount Washington Valley's economy depends on tourism — skiing in winter, hiking and shopping in summer. This creates seasonal demand spikes that can stress local groundwater:
- Lodges, restaurants, and short-term rentals draw heavily from wells during peak seasons
- The influx of visitors means more septic system loading
- Some commercial wells may affect nearby residential water levels
If you notice changes in your well's output or water quality during peak tourist seasons, it may not be coincidence.
Testing Recommendations
Mount Washington Valley well owners should test for: arsenic, radon, uranium, manganese, iron, bacteria, nitrates, hardness, pH, and conductivity.
For treatment options and NH state rebates, see our resources page. Our testing guide lists certified labs that serve northern NH.
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 North Conway area, but the only way to know what's in your water is to test it.
Sources
- NH Geological Survey — White Mountain Bedrock and Groundwater Quality
- USGS — Arsenic and Uranium in New England Crystalline Rock Aquifers
- NH DES — Carroll County Private Well Testing Data
- UNH Cooperative Extension — Private Well Management in NH