Water quality
Connecticut water quality
According to the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) and DEEP, statewide private well testing has revealed concerning levels of naturally occurring uranium and arsenic alongside PFAS, nitrates, and bacteria. CT DPH has set health-based action levels for ten PFAS compounds, though much public system PFAS sampling has been voluntary. Lead from older plumbing and service lines remains a documented concern.
Documented considerations
PFAS
According to CT DPH, the agency derived health-based drinking water action levels for ten PFAS, set in 2022 and 2023; however, recent public water system PFAS sampling has been largely voluntary, leaving overall exceedances unclear.
Arsenic
According to CT DPH and DEEP, statewide private well testing has revealed concerning levels of naturally occurring arsenic and uranium, with the state coordinating responses in areas where wells are at risk from these natural contaminants.
Lead
According to CT DPH, lead in tap water comes from older pipes and fixtures in homes with outdated plumbing, posing particular risk to young children and pregnant women.
Certified filters for Connecticut's main concerns
- 7.2AquaTru Classic Countertop RO
A no-plumbing countertop 4-stage RO purifier certified to NSF standards for lead, PFAS, fluoride and arsenic with an efficient drain ratio.
- 7.5Culligan US-EZ-4 Under-Sink
An under-sink filter genuinely IAPMO certified to NSF/ANSI 42, 53 and 401 for lead, cysts, VOCs, mercury and PFOA/PFOS.
- 7.2Aquasana AQ-5200 Under-Sink
Certified for lead and PFAS, cheap per gallon, marketing matches the certified scope.
- 4.9ZeroWater 5-Stage Pitcher (7-Cup)
A five-stage ion-exchange pitcher certified for lead, chromium-6 and PFOA/PFOS - but a short 15-gallon filter makes it costly to run.
- 7.3Brita Elite Pitcher (10-Cup)
A pour-through pitcher whose Elite filter is certified to reduce lead, mercury, cadmium and more, with a long 120-gallon cartridge.
- 6.8Frizzlife SK99 Under-Sink Filter
A direct-connect 3-stage under-sink filter with a 0.5 micron carbon block, IAPMO certified to NSF/ANSI 42 and 53 for chlorine, lead and chloramine.
FAQ
- Is Connecticut tap water safe to drink?
- According to CT DPH, public systems must meet federal standards, but private well testing has revealed naturally occurring uranium and arsenic plus PFAS in some areas. Well owners are encouraged to test, and homes with older plumbing should be mindful of lead.
- Does Connecticut regulate PFAS in drinking water?
- According to CT DPH, the state has set health-based action levels for ten PFAS compounds adopted in 2022 and 2023, though much public water system PFAS sampling has been voluntary, so the full extent of exceedances is not fully known.
- Should I test my private well in Connecticut?
- Yes. According to CT DPH and DEEP, private wells can contain naturally occurring arsenic, uranium, and radium as well as PFAS, nitrates, and bacteria; testing is recommended since private wells are not federally regulated.
Sources
Not sure how to read your local report? See our guide on reading a water quality report.