Is Connecticut Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Water quality data for 13 cities across Connecticut. Find your city below.

Water quality in Connecticut varies significantly from city to city. Across 13 cities we track, hardness ranges from 18 PPM in Westport to 55 PPM in Waterbury, with a statewide average of 31 PPM. Most cities in Connecticut have relatively soft water, so a softener is generally unnecessary.

10 Connecticut cities have forever chemicals (PFAS) above the EPA's 2024 limit of 4 parts per trillion: Danbury (15.41 ppt), Bridgeport (39.75 ppt), New Haven (17.87 ppt), Milford (17.87 ppt), Norwalk (39.75 ppt), and 5 more. A reverse osmosis system or NSF P473-certified filter can reduce PFAS to safe levels.

13
Cities
31
Avg Hardness (PPM)
55
Hardest City (PPM)

Complete Connecticut Guide

Statewide water quality overview, costs, and treatment recommendations.

Well Water in Connecticut

Testing, treatment, and common issues for private wells.

Hardest Water Rankings

Connecticut cities ranked by water hardness level.

City Treatment Guides

Sized recommendations based on each city's specific water data.

New Haven

34 PPM · 17.87 ppt PFAS 🔬 Best Filter

City Comparisons

Waterbury vs Westport

Side-by-side water quality comparison.

Waterbury vs Danbury

Side-by-side water quality comparison.

Danbury vs Hartford

Side-by-side water quality comparison.

Connecticut Cities by Water Hardness

CityHardness (PPM)LevelPFAS (ppt)Source
Waterbury 55 Slightly Hard 0 Wigwam Reservoir system
Danbury 50 Slightly Hard 15.41 Reservoirs, wells
Hartford 48 Slightly Hard 0 Barkhamsted Reservoir
Bridgeport 41 Slightly Hard 39.75 Reservoirs
New Haven 34 Slightly Hard 17.87 Lake Whitney, Lake Gaillard
Milford 28 Slightly Hard 17.87 Housatonic River & wells
Norwalk 25 Slightly Hard 39.75 Norwalk River & reservoirs
Stamford 22 Slightly Hard 39.75 Reservoirs
Greenwich 22 Slightly Hard 39.75 Putnam Lake & Kensico system
Meriden 20 Slightly Hard 17.87 Broad Brook & Hall reservoirs
Avon 20 Slightly Hard 26.5 Farmington River
West Hartford 18 Slightly Hard 0 Barkhamsted Reservoir & MDC system
Westport 18 Slightly Hard 39.75 Aspetuck Reservoir

Frequently Asked Questions About Connecticut Water

Is Connecticut tap water safe to drink?
Connecticut tap water meets EPA legal standards in most cities. 10 cities have PFAS levels above the EPA health advisory of 4 ppt. Water hardness is relatively low across the state. Check your specific city above for detailed data.
Do I need a water softener in Connecticut?
Most Connecticut homes do not need a water softener. The state average of 31 PPM is relatively soft.
Which Connecticut city has the hardest water?
Waterbury has the hardest water in Connecticut at 55 PPM (3.2 GPG). Danbury is second at 50 PPM. See the full ranking.
What contaminants are in Connecticut water?
The most common concerns across Connecticut are chlorine and disinfection byproducts, and PFAS (forever chemicals) detected in 10 cities. Each city has different levels - check your city above for specific contaminant data.
How much does a water softener cost in Connecticut?
A whole-house water softener for a typical Connecticut home costs $800-$2,500 installed, depending on capacity and brand. At 31 PPM average hardness, most homes need a 32,000-48,000 grain system. Full cost breakdown.

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Guides

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Common Issues

Hard Water PFAS Lead Chlorine