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FAQs



General Information

Directions to Town Hall
  • Rte 93 to Exit 1.
  • Go Straight through 3 sets of lights, crossing Rte 28.
  • Continue for approximately .75 of a mile, following the signs for Municipal Buildings.
  • Turn left onto Geremonty Drive.
  • The Town Hall is located on the right after the courthouse.
For a list of Emergency Services, Utilities, Town Buildings, Schools & State Representatives click here.

For Statistical Information, Demographics and Census Information click here.

For a list of Attractions, Churches, Colleges, Events, Hotels, Real Estate, Restaurants, Shopping & Transportation click here.

Assessing

Building

Engineering
  • Do I need a permit to for a new well, water service, septic system, sewer service or driveway?

    Yes, a permit is required to install or newly construct any of the above. For the wells and septic systems a State of New Hampshire licensed Well Water Contractor for wells and a State of New Hampshire licensed Septic System Installer for septic systems are required to obtain the permit prior to starting the work. For water service, sewer service and driveways the Contractor has to be bonded with the Town of Salem and provide Certificates of Insurance to the Town to obtain the permit prior to starting the work.

    Please note that septic system and well permits are no longer coordinated with the Engineering Department; please contact the Health Department for questions relative to septic systems and wells.

  • Is part of my land considered wetlands and do I need a permit to fill my land?

    A State of New Hampshire licensed Wetlands Scientist would have to do an investigation on your property to determine if wetlands are present. If wetlands are present and you would like to fill them a State of New Hampshire Dredge and Fill Permit would have to be obtained prior to the filling.

  • Does the Town have a Plot Plan for my property?

    If you come in to Town Hall we can check your property file to see if the Town has a copy.

  • Do I need a septic system design to convert my seasonal property to a year round property?

    Yes. A State of New Hampshire licensed Septic System Designer would have to design a new septic system and get it approve by the Town and the State.

  • Is my house in a flood zone and do I need flood insurance?

    If you come to Town Hall you can look at the Flood Insurance Rate Maps and make your own determination. We are not allowed by Federal law to interpret the map for you but we can help you in understanding how to read the map. The Lending Institutions are required to make the determination if insurance is needed.

  • Does the Town have a Septic Plan for my property?

    If you come in to Town Hall we can check your property file to see if the Town has a copy. Septic design plans were not required until 1967 so if your home and septic system were built prior to 1967 we will not have a plan and in some cases on homes built after 1967 we may not have a copy.

  • Does the Town have well water test results for my property?

    If you come in to Town Hall we can check your property file to see if the Town has a copy.

  • Does the Town have information on where the sewer service is on my property?

    No, not on your property, if you come in to Town Hall we can check our records to see where the service was left at the street line and can provide information on who the contractor may have been and when the service was installed.

  • Does the Town have information on where the water service is on my property?

    No, not on your property, if you come in to Town Hall we can check our records to see where the service was left at the street line and if it was installed after 1993, who the contractor may have been and when the service was installed. If Town Hall does not have the record for your property you can check with the Utilities Division at Public Works to see if they have a water service tie card for your property.



Finance

Fire Department

Health
  • What do I need to apply for a Food Service License?

    New Establishment:

    1. Contact the Planning Division to make an appointment to go over conceptual plans. The Planning Division will review the plans and decide whether Planning Board approval is required.
    2. Following Planning Board and/or the Planning Division approval, submit plans to the Health, Building and Engineering Divisions for review and apply for the necessary permits. The Health Division requires a kitchen; prep and dishwashing area breakdown sketch with a list of the NSF approved equipment that is planned for the facility.
    3. The Health Officer will review the plans and make any necessary suggestions for changes that will meet the code and/or make the operation more efficient.
    4. Application and payment for the food service license can be made at any point during the process however, the license will be issued with the Certificate of Occupancy.
    5. For all licensing and establishment requirements, please refer to Salem Chapter 196, The Sanitary Production and Distribution of Food.

    Existing Establishment:

    1. Make an appointment with the Health Officer to go over the business plan for the establishment. Regulations require that equipment and the facility's operation be brought into compliance when a major renovation occurs or a new owner takes over. Additionally, an outdoor grease interceptor is required prior to issuing the license. Information regarding the grease interceptor may be obtained by contacting the Engineering Department.
    2. If the establishment meets the code, license application and payment can be made at any time. If major changes are required, the Health Officer will discuss the required changes and/or meet the new owner of an existing establishment on site to go over the required changes. Application for the license may be made at that time. The license will be issued when the necessary changes are completed and the license has been inspected.
    3. The licensing period in Salem is April 1st to March 31st. All existing establishments receive an invoice for the following year's license between mid February and March 1st. A copy of the invoice and payment should be mailed to the Health Division prior to April 1st. The new license will be mailed to the establishment or corporate office.

  • How can I obtain a copy of Salem Chapter 196- The Sanitary Production and Distribution of Food?

    A copy of the regulations may be obtained at the main counter of Town Hall between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM at a cost of $5. Please make checks payable to the Town of Salem.

  • What documents do I need to apply for a tattoo and/or body-piercing license in the Town of Salem?

    New Tattoo/ Body Piercing Establishment License:

    1. Contact the Planning Division for site approval.
    2. Contact the Health Officer, to go over establishment design and equipment requirements
    3. Obtain a copy of Salem Chapter 284- Tattoo, Body Piercing, Branding and Permanent Make-up to become familiar with local regulations.
    4. Contact State of NH Department of Health Care Facilities at 271-4592 to submit license application for State license.
    5. Contact the Health Officer for the final inspection.
    6. File for the Establishment License by submitting an application with Health Officer including copies of the following documents:

      1. Valid State of NH Tattoo/Body Piercing Establishment License
      2. Copy of valid contract with bio-medical waste company for needle disposal
      3. Copy of instruction sheet given to clients for post-tattoo/body piercing care
      4. License fee of $50 (Checks made payable to the Town of Salem)

    Existing Establishment License:

    1. Between February 15th and March 1st invoices are sent out for the next year's licenses
    2. Submit copy of invoice, copy of valid State of NH establishment license and payment to Health Division prior to April 1st. The licensing period is April 1st to March 31st of each year

    New Tattoo/Body Piercing Artist License:

    1. Obtain a copy of Salem Chapter 284-Tattoo, Body Piercing, Branding and Permanent Make-up and License Application to become familiar with local regulations.
    2. Contact State of NH Department of Health Care Facilities at 271-4592 to submit license application for State license
    3. Once a State license is obtained, apply to the Town for local license by submitting the following documents:

      1. Copy of valid State of NH Tattoo/Body Piercing Artist License
      2. Copy of recent physical exam done by licensed physician
      3. License fee of $100 (Checks made payable to the Town of Salem)

    Previously Licensed Tattoo/Body Piercing Artist

    1. Between February 15th and March 1st of each year, an invoice for the following year's license will be mailed to the artists at the establishments where they operate
    2. Submit payment and copies of the previously listed documentation to the Health Officer prior to April 1st of each year. New license will be mailed to the establishment where the artist is employed.

    For any questions, please refer to Salem Chapter 284- Tattoo, Body Piercing, Branding and Permanent Make-up

  • How do I replace my septic system?

    The first step is to hire a State of New Hampshire Licensed Septic System Designer. He or She will contact the Health Department to schedule a test pit to determine if the system can be replaced in kind or if a new system needs to be designed.

  • How often should I pump my septic tank?

    It is recommend that the tank be pumped every 2 to 3 years.

  • How often should I test my well water?

    It is recommended to first test soon after a new well is installed, thereafter every 3-5 years, whenever there is a change in property ownership, or whenever there is a noticeable change in the water quality, including changes in taste, odor or color.
  • What guidelines must be followed to install a septic system in the Town of Salem?

    The rules and regulations established by the State of New Hampshire, Department of Environmental Services, Subsurface Bureau and the Water Resource Management Bureau form a part of Salem Chapter 253- Sewage Disposal Systems and Wells. A copy of the local regulations may be obtained at Town Hall or through the Web Site. Applicable State Regulations must be obtained through the appropriate State Department.

    For Septic System Designs, the homeowner shall:

    1. Contact a State of NH Licensed Designer through the telephone yellow pages or from a list available at the main desk at Town Hall.
    2. The designer must make an appointment with the Engineering Department to meet on-site with a backhoe.
    3. The designer is required to submit 4 copies of the septic design plan to the Town of Salem for review. The State will not review the plans prior to Town approval.
    4. The Town will review and stamp plans, keep one copy for our files and return 3 copies to the designer to be submitted to the State for approval. The State approval period is generally 3-6 weeks.

    For Septic System Installation, the homeowner shall:

    1. Contact a State of NH Licensed Installer through the telephone yellow pages or from a list available at the main desk at Town Hall.
    2. Installer comes into Town Hall with the approved plans, pays a permit fee and obtains an installation permit.
    3. The installer calls the Engineering Department with a 48-hour notice for the following:

      1. Bed bottom inspection
      2. Final inspection prior to backfilling

  • What well tests are required for private wells prior to issuing a Certificate of Occupancy?

    EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 7, 2000-
    Pursuant to the Board of Selectmen adoption of revisions to Salem Chapter 253-Salem Disposal Systems and Wells, the following well test results and requirements shall be met prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy on any building serviced by a well in the town of Salem:

    1. A permit must be obtained before any drinking well is installed, and must be accompanied by a scaled diagram of the location. Diagram must show existing or proposed subsurface disposal system on that and adjacent lots. The applicable fee, as established by the Board of Selectmen, shall accompany the application. The plan shall be submitted with the site address, map and lot number.
    2. In all new construction, prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy and in all well replacements, a State of NH certified testing lab shall do a well water analysis of the following parameters:

      a. Bacteria   g. Hardness
      b. Chloride   h. Fluoride
      c. Sodium   i. Nitrate/Nitrite
      d. Iron   j. Lead
      e. Manganese   k. Arsenic
      f. pH   l. Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Screen


    3. All test results shall be submitted to the Engineering Division and shall meet EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) Standards prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. All VOC's shall be identified and quantified. All parameters that exceed the MCL shall be remediated through the installation of the appropriate filtration system at the well intake

    For your information:
    VOC Testing
    The NH Department of Environmental Services, Water Resource Management Lab at 6 Hazen Drive in Concord (603-271-3445), provides a water analysis test called an EPA Method #524.2. This test is $100 and requires a special sampling bottle obtainable from the lab. The test provides the lowest detection levels for 60 some odd organic compounds and meets the intent of the requirements. The test quantitates the amount of any volatile organic compound tested. Well testing may be done at any NH Certified Well Testing Lab.

    *************
    WELL INSTALLERS AND BUILDERS PLEASE NOTE:

    IT TAKES APPROXIMATELY TWO (2) WEEKS TO GET VOC TEST RESULTS. PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY AS VOC WELL TEST RESULTS ARE REQUIRED PRIOR TO ISSUING THE CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY.


Human Resources

Current Employment Opportunities
  • How do I become a police officer in Salem?

    The only way to become a Salem Police Officer is to participate in the testing process. Testing is done on an annual basis, but may fluctuate depending on the needs of the department.

    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
    • At least 21 years old
    • Good physical condition; must pass a thorough medical examination and a job related strength and physical agility test.
    • High School graduate or GED required; Associates Degree or higher; criminal justice or related field of study desirable.
    APPLICATION PROCEDURE Applications are available at the Salem Town Hall, Human Resources Department, (33 Geremonty Dr.). Resumes are encouraged (but not required) to be attached to the Town application. A Town application must be submitted by each candidate. Send or deliver to:

      Town of Salem
    Human Resources Department
    33 Geremonty Drive
    Salem, NH 03079

    All individuals who have an application/resume on file for the testing year will be notified of the next testing process.
    WRITTEN EXAMINATION The written exam takes approximately 2 hours to complete. There are no study materials or a study list that exists. The exams used are general intelligence/knowledge tests that do not require the candidate to have a background in police work.
    OTHER REQUIREMENTS Successful candidates will serve as a Probationary Police Officer for one year. Upon permanent appointment, police officer must reside in Salem or within 20 road miles of the Salem Police Department. Appropriate consideration will be given to candidates with police experience or certification, foreign language skills, advanced formal education or training, or other applicable skills or abilities.

    The Town of Salem will make reasonable efforts in the recruitment process to accommodate persons with disabilities. Please advise the Human Resources of the special needs with reasonable advance notice. PROUD TO BE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
    BENEFITS 12 Paid Holidays; 3 Personal Days; 15 Sick Days; minimum 2 weeks vacation; health, dental, life and short-term disability insurance; tuition reimbursement; enrollment in NH Retirement System; uniform allowance; considerable overtime available.
    OTHER TEST PHASES
    • Physical Agility Test
    • Oral Board Interviews
    • Interview with Chief of Police
    • Background Investigation, Psychological Testing, Polygraph, and Medical Exam with Drug Screening
    • Recommendations for hiring brought forward by Police Chief to the Town Manager for approval

  • I am certified as a police officer out-of-state, and I want to be hired in Salem. Do I have to go through the same testing process?

    Yes. We recognize that a full-time certification has value, but it is not the determining factor for hiring. Upon hiring, persons holding out-of-state certifications must attend the New Hampshire Police Academy for what is called the "Basic Law Package" which deals only with topics specific to New Hampshire (i.e., our criminal and motor vehicle laws, domestic laws, NH court system, etc.).

  • I took the police officer exam two years ago; do I need to take it again?

    Yes. The eligibility list is only good for one year, or until a new testing process has been completed.

  • Is there a state exam for becoming a police officer?

    No statewide exam exits in New Hampshire.

  • How do I become a firefighter in Salem?

    The only way to become a Salem Firefighter is to participate in the State-wide Entrance Exam for Firefighter process. Testing is done on an annual basis, usually in the month of September. The New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Fire Standards and Training posts in the local New Hampshire newspapers (using in July) when they are accepting applications from individuals interested in taking the New Hampshire State-wide Entrance Exam for Firefighters This exam establishes a state-wide listing of eligible candidates which communities may consider for Entry-Level Firefighter positions, when available. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or GED, and a valid photo drivers license. The testing process includes a written, general knowledge examination and physical ability test for a total of two days.

    Once the testing process is complete, the NH Fire Standards and Training sends out the scores to all communities. As openings occur, the Town of Salem's Fire Department will draw from that list to invite qualified candidates to participate in an Oral Board process. Top candidates will then be invited in for a Chief's interview. Recommendations for hiring will be brought forward by the Fire Chief to the Town Manager for approval.

  • I am a firefighter out-of-state, and I want to be hired in Salem. Do I have to go through the same testing process?

    Yes. As stated above, the only way to become a Salem Firefighter is to participate in the State-wide Entrance Exam for Firefighter process.

  • I took the firefighter exam two years ago, do I need to take it again?

    Yes. The eligibility list is only good for one year, or until a new testing process has been completed and test scores have been distributed to the Town.

  • Is there a local firefighter exam?

    Salem currently draws from the State-wide exam list, but the Town has occasionally run a local exam process in the past.


Planning Planning Quotes

"A good plan executed right now is far better than a perfect plan executed next week."

George S. Patton


"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

Margaret Mead


"Growth is inevitable and desirable, but destruction of community character is not. The question is not whether your part of the world is going to change. The question is how."

Edward T. McMahon, The Conservation Fund


"Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood and probably will not be realized. Make big plans; aim high in hope and work, remember, that a noble, logical diagram once recorded will never die, but long after we are gone will be a living thing, asserting itself with ever-growing insistency. Remember that our sons and grandsons are going to do things that would stagger us. Let your watchword be order and your beacon beauty."

Daniel Burnham


"We are the Planning Board, not the Wait-And-See-What-Happens Board!

John Lukens (former Planning Board Chairman)


"The good building is not one that hurts the landscape, but one which makes the landscape more beautiful than it was before the building was built.

Frank Lloyd Wright


Police Department

Public Works - Highway
  • If I see an unusual amount of water in the road what should I do?

    Call (603) 890-2150, if it is after hours you can call the fire department business line at (603) 890-2200, they will dispatch our on-call foreman to respond.

  • I have noticed that Beavers are building a dam and creating a potential water problem who should I call?

    You will need to call the Fish and Game Department at (603) 271-3421.

  • If I see a pothole in the road who should I call?

    Call the DPW at (603) 890-2150 after hours leave a message.

  • Who do I call if I see a street light out?

    Call Granite State Electric at (800)-322-3223.

  • Who do I call if I see a street sign or stop sign down?

    During regular work hours call (603) 890-2150, after hours leave a message.


Public Works - Cemetery
  • Can anyone be buried at this cemetery?

    Only Salem residents can purchase cemetery plots. (No pre-buying of lots)

  • How can I purchase a plot?

    You can purchase through the Funeral Home or directly from the Town by calling (603) 890-2150. A phone call will be returned to you. Note: in order to purchase a new plot the individual must be deceased (no pre-buying of lots).

  • How much does it cost?

    Single Lot $200.00
    Double Lot $400.00
    Cremation Lot $200.00
    Winter Fees $150.00
    Veterans Discount $50.00
    Saturday/Sunday Fees $150.00
    Grave Opening $75.00
    Cremation Opening $75.00
    Baby Grave Opening $75.00


Public Works - Transfer Station
  • How do I use the Transfer Station?

    You must purchase a Transfer Station permit which includes 3 bulky waste coupons at Town Hall - Town Clerk Office with your vehicle registration. Effective date is March 1st annually.

  • What can I bring to the Transfer Station?

    When arriving at the Transfer Station you will notice the different locations to place your bundles. Please ask the attendant for further instruction. When you enter the Transfer Station with C&D Material you will see the attendant first. The attendant at the trash building will accept your filled out coupon and direct you to the proper dumpster.
    • All household trash - you must separate.
    • Plastic, Cans, bottles/glass (called co-mingles) Newspaper, Cardboard. This all gets placed in the building.
    • C&D (Construction and Demolition Material) - Bulky Waste (Bulky Waste Coupon required).
    • Scrap Metal - no coupon needed - white goods (washer/dryers/propane tanks) see attendant and he will direct you to the proper location. Refrigerators need the door removed.
    • Brush - less than 4" in diameter are to be placed in the appropriate pile - see attendant.
    • Leaves and grass are to be placed in a separate pile - see attendant.
    • Waste oil - in the waste oil drum - see attendant.
    • Automobile batteries - to be placed in the battery bin - see attendant.
    • Ordinance - Refer to the Salem Administrative Municipal Codes - #302


  • What is not allowed at the Transfer Station?

    • No hazardous materials or commercial waste.
    • NO PAINT - NO PAINT THINNER - NO MEDICAL WASTE - NO GASOLINE OR ANY TYPE OF FLAMMABLES - NO ANTIFREEZE - NO CEMENT - CONCRETE - HOT TOP - BRICKS - ROCKS


Public Works - Animal Control
  • What is the Animal Control Officer's phone number?

    (603) 890-2390. If you have any questions, please feel free to call this number without hesitation. This number connects you directly to the Police Department who will dispatch our Animal Control Officer to return a call or report to a location.

  • What does the Animal Control Officer do?

    The Animal Control Officer is responsible for enforcing State Laws and local ordinances pertaining to the welfare and control of domestic, exotic and wild animals. The Animal Control Officer is also considered the local Rabies Control Authority and handles many animals, which have been reported to be sick, injured and/or abandoned.

  • How do I register my dog?

    All dogs 3 months of age or older must be licensed in New Hampshire. You will need to bring in proof of inoculation (rabies certificate) and proof of spaying or neutering if the dog is altered. All dog licenses expire on April 30th. You will need to renew your dogs license annually by this date or penalties and fines will be issued per State Law. There is a one month grace period before the penalty begins. The penalty is $1.00 per month beginning in June. There may also be a $25.00 civil forfeiture fine issued which will be due 15 days after receipt of the fine.

    The cost to license a dog is $9.00 for male or female, $6.50 for a spayed or neutered dog. If a puppy is too young to be altered the $6.50 fee will apply on the first license. Dog licenses are not pro-rated.

    Dog license renewal notices will be sent to the address on the license on file. Dogs may be licensed by mail.

    Please notify the Town Clerk's office if you no longer have your dog or have moved from Salem.

  • What is animal abuse?

    There are different types of animal abuse, simply depriving your pet of sufficient shelter, food, water or medical treatment is illegal! These are forms of neglect, which could eventually lead to the pet owner's arrest. There are many forms of animal abuse and are easy to detect. How about the dog, which is being left out all day in the cold, New Hampshire weather? Not all animals are able to live out doors and chances are their animal is being abused. This animal may live close to you!

  • If I suspect that someone is abusing their pet, whom should I tell and can it be anonymous?

    Many animals continue to be abused each year because witnesses are afraid to come forward. Any time you or someone you know suspects animal abuse, all you have to do is call the Animal Control Officer at (603) 890-2390. Please leave a detailed description of what the abuse is and the location of the animal. If you would like to leave your name address and phone number it would be extremely helpful but you are not obligated to do so.

  • Is it illegal for someone to leave the scene, without reporting to a Law Enforcement Agency that they have hit a domestic dog (or cat)?

    Yes, this is a misdemeanor and the person responsible could be arrested. In the Town of Salem, it is also a violation to leave the scene of a domestic cat without reporting the incident to a Law Enforcement Agency.

  • If I have a lost pet where do I begin?

    Nobody knows your pet better than you. First thing to do would begin your search with a call to the Animal Control Officer's office for assistance, (603) 890-2390. If your pet does not return in what you feel is a reasonable amount of time, begin to make flyers with information of your pet on them. For example, your pet's description, a photo, its gender, breed, size, distinguishing features (nicks in the ears, scars or marks), identification tags or if your pet has an implanted identification chip. With this information on paper, make copies and begin dropping them off at local vet clinics and animal shelters and /or at a few local businesses, which allow free advertising.


Recreation

Tax Collector

Town Clerk

Town Manager
  • When do the Selectmen meet?

    Selectmen meet the 1st, 2nd, and 4th Mondays each month. Selectmen meet more frequently during preparation for budget and town meeting.

  • How do I schedule a fundraiser (tag day) at the dump.

    All requests for fundraisers are done through the Town Manager's Office. A letter of request is needed identifying the days requested, name of the organization and contact information.

  • What is a citizen petition?

    A citizen petition is a way for a resident to put something on the Town Meeting Warrant if it is not addressed through the budget, i.e., paving roads, installing street lights, etc. Citizen petitions require 25 signatures of registered Salem voters per RSA 39:3. Petitions are due in the Town Manager's office the 5th Tuesday before the Town Meeting, held the 2nd Tuesday in March. The Town Manager's office can help you with developing the language for your citizen petition; however, it is your responsibility to determine the costs, if any, associated with your petition. Sample citizen petition forms will soon be available on the Town's web site. Contact the Town Manager's Office at 890-2120 for additional information.

  • When is Town Meeting/Election?

    The Town's municipal election is held annually on the 2nd Tuesday in March. The Town also has two deliberative sessions. The first is held on the 2nd Saturday in February. This deliberative session discusses the Budget, Collective Bargaining Agreements, and Bond Articles. Results of this meeting go on the ballot to be voted upon on the 2nd Tuesday in March. The 2nd deliberative session is held the Saturday after the election and will include all other articles including citizen petitions.

  • How do I get in contact with the NH Registry of Motor Vehicles and Licensing?

    The NH DMV is located in the lower level of the Town Hall. It is not a Town Department, but a State agency. Their hours are 8:15 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. The Town has no way of connecting you to their office. If you want general information, call 893-8734. You will be connected to a voicemail system. If you need to speak with someone directly, contact the State Dept. of Safety at 271-2251.


Utilities
  • What causes discolored water?

    Water main breaks, along with other disruptions of flow can cause discoloration in the distribution system.

  • Is Salem's water hard or soft?

    It is considered Soft. Water hardness refers to the concentration of certain minerals, particularly those containing calcium and magnesium. People tend to ask about hardness after reading the owner's manual for a new dishware or washing machine. This is because hardness minerals inhibit the sudsing action of soaps and detergents. In areas of the country where water is very hard, these mineral deposits can damage boilers and block water pipes.

  • What is turbidity?

    Turbidity is the cloudiness of water. This cloudiness is caused by particles, largely clay, that are so tiny they will not settle out of the water on their own. These particles are undesirable because they interfere with disinfection.

  • I am having my house re-sided. Is there anything I need to do before the contractors arrive at my house?

    Water Department personnel must complete removal of the outside remote. Call the Utilities Division at (603) 890-2175 to arrange for the removal & reinstallation of your outside remote. There is no charge for this service.

  • Is there fluoride in the water?

    No, the Town does not add fluoride to the water supply.

  • I turned on my water and nothing came out. What is happening?

    Usually this is due to a water main break in your neighborhood. The Utilities Division personnel must turn off the water to repair the line. It is only off as long as is required to repair the pipes. Inquiries about the status of main breaks should be made by calling the Public Works Department at (603) 890-2150.

    We cannot feasibly notify everyone door to door that we need to turn the water off in an emergency like this. We can assure you that it is only done if necessary and will be restored as soon as possible.

  • I am billed per 100 cubic feet. How much water is that?

    One cubic foot of water is equivalent to 7.48 gallons. One hundred cubic feet would equal 748 gallons.

  • The shut off valve before my meter does not work. Is the Town responsible to replace it?

    Only if the valve is part of a complete meter horn assembly. Most older services (Prior to 1985) would not fit into this category. Otherwise the valve replacement would be the responsibility of the property owner. The water supply to your home would have to be shut off at the curb stop to allow for the valve change. Please contact 890-2175 to schedule an appointment. There is no fee for this service provided it takes place during normal business hours. (Monday thru Friday 7:00 am-3: 30 pm)



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