What's New

The City of Portsmouth Health and Water Departments are taking the opportunity to raise awareness of the issue of the risks of lead poisoning by providing the following information and a free lead testing program.

Lead in Water: While the City Water System has no lead in its source waters and tests the water system regularly, as required, to confirm there are no detectable levels of lead in the drinking water in your home, that might come from pipes and fixtures, we recommend a routine water test for lead.

The City of Portsmouth has received an independent engineering report regarding the property at 276/278 State Street from Jeff Nawrocki of JSN Associates, LLC.

On Tuesday, August 6, 2024, neighborhoods throughout Portsmouth will join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the 41st Annual National Night Out Against Crime. 

National Night Out (NNO), which is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW), will involve over 17,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world. In all, over 38 million people are expected to participate in “America’s National Night Out Against Crime.” 

Sail Portsmouth welcomes a parade of the US Coast Guard barque Eagle and a flotilla of other vessels to Portsmouth on Friday, July 26 starting at 9 am. The Parade of Sail features an impressive lineup of vessels, including the Ernestina-Morrissey and Denis Sullivan, along with the iconic gundalow Piscataqua, a US Navy tug, the City fireboat, and a multitude of supporting pleasure craft and fishing vessels.

The Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH) Board of Directors has announced an 18 percent decrease in the Portsmouth Community Power base electric rate compared to the rate Eversource has requested from the Public Utilities Commission for the same period. A base rate of 8.6¢ per kilowatt-hour for residential and small commercial customers goes into effect from August 1, 2024 through January 31, 2025 for Portsmouth and other CPCNH customers.

Out of an abundance of caution, the City is closing the sidewalks and travel lanes abutting the property of 278 State Street. Crews from the Department of Public Works have placed barriers around the building. This closure includes a portion of State Street near Pleasant Street, and Church Street.  

The seasonal gardens of Prescott Park are in their prime, following weeks of planting, weeding, and cultivation. The City of Portsmouth Parks & Greenery Department is inviting the public to join members of the gardening team for free weekly tours of the formal gardens. 

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

CDBG Public Facility and Accessibility Improvement Grants Available