Groundwater reclassification is an elective program that allows local entities, such as municipalities and water suppliers, to adopt a comprehensive approach to protecting groundwater and public water supplies by restricting certain high-risk land uses in the vicinity of these supplies, enhancing public education concerning groundwater, and better managing substances that are known to contaminate groundwater.
Purpose
To protect natural groundwater quality by establishing areas classified for a higher level of protection including a contributing area of high value groundwater for present or for a future drinking water supply.
Applicability
A local entity as defined in RSA 485-C:2, such as a water supplier or municipality acting through a planning board, conservation commission, water department, health officer, or other duly-constituted municipal unit.
Statute and Administrative Rules
RSA 485-C Groundwater Protection Act
RSA 485-C:9 Groundwater Protection Act/Procedures for Classification and Reclassification
Env-Dw 901 Groundwater Reclassification
Application
Groundwater Reclassification Request Form 
Reclassification Checklist
Fee
None.
Processing Time
Approximately 90 days from the date the Groundwater Reclassification Program receives a complete application.
Term/Renewal
An inventory and map of potential contamination sources must be updated every three years by the entity requesting a GAA or GA1 reclassification.
Modification/Amendments
Modifications to reclassification requests may be made anytime prior to Groundwater Reclassification Program approval. Once the reclassification has been approved, changes to the classification may be made upon request to the Groundwater Reclassification Program.
Transferability
Not applicable.
Appeals
No formal appeals process exists as groundwater reclassification is optional and is completed only with the consent of local governing bodies of municipalities, water suppliers or other local entities. A public hearing for landowners in areas to be reclassified is required by RSA 485-C:9 VI to solicit public comment.
Status of Current Applications
Contact Pierce Rigrod at pierce.rigrod@des.nh.gov or (603) 271-0688.
More Information
The NH Groundwater Protection Act: An Overview (Fact Sheet WD-DWGB-22-1)
Local Reclassification of Groundwater to Implement Protection Programs: A Six Step Process (Fact Sheet WD-DWGB-22-2)
Groundwater Reclassification and How It Affects the Property Owner (Fact Sheet WD-DWGB-22-3)
Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Groundwater Protection (Fact Sheet WD-DWGB-22-4)
Contact Us
Groundwater Reclassification Program or (603) 271-0688.
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