Breck-Plankey Spring, Bristol, NH 03222

## Overview Breck-Plankey Spring is a public drinking spring located along Swift Water Drive in Bristol, New Hampshire, within Grafton County. Situated at the edge of the scenic Lakes Region and the foothills of the White Mountains, this spring has served as a local water source for area residents and visitors alike. The spring sits at an elevation near Newfound Lake — a pristine body of water that, according to local tradition, is fed primarily by underground springs rather than surface streams, contributing to its reputation as one of the cleanest lakes in New Hampshire. The water from Breck-Plankey Spring has historically been used as a drinking water source by the community. Visitors have reported that the water tastes clean and refreshing, though as with any natural spring, water quality can vary with seasonal conditions. ## Directions 1. From the center of Bristol, NH, head north on **Route 3A** (Lake Street) toward the Newfound Lake / Lakeside area. 2. Continue on Route 3A as it follows the western shore of Newfound Lake. 3. Turn onto **Swift Water Drive** — the spring is located near **6 Swift Water Drive, Bristol, NH 03222**. 4. GPS coordinates: **43.599502, -71.747639** — use these for precise navigation, as the spring can be easy to miss from the road. *Note: Locals sometimes refer to the Newfound Lake area as "Lakeside." The lake is renowned for its spring-fed clarity and is a helpful landmark when navigating to the spring.* ## What to Expect Breck-Plankey Spring is a roadside public drinking spring, making it relatively easy to access without a long hike. The spring is located along Swift Water Drive, a quiet residential road near the shores of Newfound Lake. Expect a modest, traditional New England spring setup — visitors typically pull over and fill containers directly. The surrounding area is lush and wooded, characteristic of central New Hampshire's Grafton County landscape. Newfound Lake, just nearby, is worth a visit in its own right — it is widely considered one of the cleanest lakes in the state, and locals attribute its clarity to the many underground springs that feed it. Seasonal visitors should be aware that access and flow may be affected during winter months when freezing temperatures are common in this part of New Hampshire. Spring and summer are the most popular times to visit, when the water flow is typically strongest and the surrounding scenery is at its best.