NHDES published updated guidance on drinking water regulations, noting that EPA has indicated the PFOA/PFOS compliance deadline will be extended from April 26, 2029 to April 26, 2031 when the revised federal rule is finalized. NHDES retains authority to adopt compliance deadlines more stringent than EPA's revised rules. New Hampshire's current state MCLs (PFOA: 12 ppt, PFOS: 15 ppt, PFHxS: 18 ppt, PFNA: 11 ppt) remain in effect while federal regulations are being revised.
New Hampshire received its first PFAS settlement payment of nearly $8 million from the 3M Company as part of a larger national settlement. The funds are designated for public drinking water systems affected by PFAS contamination. This represents New Hampshire's first payment from the multi-billion dollar national settlement with PFAS manufacturers.
Chapter 306:2 (House Bill 1766) requires the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) to produce twice-yearly status reports on PFAS contamination throughout the state. The reports document PFAS contamination in the Seacoast area and at landfills and hazardous waste sites. NHDES has published status reports in June 2025 and December 2025 to satisfy this statutory requirement.
New Hampshire HB 398 requires home sellers to notify potential buyers about the possibility of PFAS water contamination prior to executing any contract for sale of real property. Sellers must alert buyers that PFAS have been found throughout New Hampshire exceeding state and federal standards, and inform them that testing can determine if water filtration systems are needed. PFAS was added to existing mandatory disclosure requirements alongside radon, lead, and arsenic. The requirement does not apply to rental properties.
New Hampshire enacted HB 1649 (Chapter 349, 2024) prohibiting the sale of consumer products with intentionally added PFAS. Covered product categories include: carpets and rugs, textile treatments, food packaging and containers, juvenile products (children under 12), upholstered furniture, textile furnishings, cosmetics, and feminine hygiene products. Exemptions apply to second-hand products, products with at least 85% recycled content, and federally regulated items. Manufacturers must provide certificates of compliance upon NHDES request.
House Bill 1649, enacted in summer 2024, establishes restrictions on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in certain consumer products sold in New Hampshire. Beginning January 1, 2027, products in several key categories with intentionally added PFAS will be banned. The law aims to curb PFAS contamination at its source by limiting how the chemicals are used in everyday products that end up in homes, workplaces, and landfills. The bill also appropriates funds to NHDES for an additional position and the PFAS products control program.