WINCHESTER, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) – Winchester officials have lifted the “Do Not Drink” advisory that was issued earlier this week after extensive testing confirmed that the town’s drinking water is safe.

The advisory began late Monday after the Winchester Fire Department responded to a home on Goamko Drive for a medical emergency and detected an unusual odor coming from the tap water. Because the home is connected to the town’s public water system, the Winchester Water Department, along with several other agencies, immediately began investigating the potential contamination.

Multiple departments assisted in the response, including Winchester Police, Keene Hazmat, Winchester Ambulance, and Cheshire EMS. The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) later joined the effort to support testing and analysis.

As a precaution, an automated alert went out to residents instructing them not to use town water until testing was complete. Initial tests indicated the water was safe for non-drinking uses but should not be consumed until further results were available.

According to officials, the concern arose after instruments designed for air quality monitoring—not water testing—registered abnormal readings at multiple points in the water system. In response, the water department and NHDES conducted a comprehensive investigation using specialized methods to test for dissolved gases and other potential contaminants.

All test results have now confirmed that no dissolved gases or other hazards are present in the town’s water supply. Routine testing also verified that the water remains safe and consistent with historical quality standards.

Based on these findings, NHDES and the Winchester Water Department have determined that the “Do Not Drink” advisory is no longer necessary.

Residents are encouraged to share the update with family, friends, and neighbors to ensure everyone knows that Winchester’s water is safe to drink and use.