Water Quality in Hartford, CT
Hartford's water quality is good overall. Hardness is low at 48 PPM, and no contaminants exceed health guidelines. Most homes here do not need a water softener.
Hardness Scale: Where Hartford Falls
Hartford's water comes from protected surface sources typical of the Northeast. At 48 PPM, the water is relatively soft. The primary concern in older northeastern cities is lead from aging plumbing infrastructure, particularly in buildings constructed before 1986.
What Hartford's Water Means for Your Home
Hartford's water is slightly hard at 48 PPM. At this level, hard water is not a significant concern for most households. Scale buildup is minimal, and a water softener would provide little measurable benefit. If you are considering water treatment in Hartford, focus on contaminant filtration rather than softening.
Beyond hardness, Hartford's water quality is generally within EPA guidelines for regulated contaminants. Chlorine is present at 1 mg/L as a disinfectant residual, which is normal for municipal water systems. If you notice a pool-like taste or experience dry skin, a whole-house carbon filter is the most common and affordable solution. For homeowners who want to understand the full picture, requesting your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report provides neighborhood-level data.
| Contaminant | Detected | Health Guideline | Legal Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness (as CaCO₃) | 48 PPM | < 60 PPM | No federal limit | ✓ OK |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 57 PPM | < 300 PPM | 500 PPM | ✓ OK |
| PFAS (total) | 4 ppt | 4 ppt (EPA) | 4 ppt (2024) | ✓ OK |
| Lead | 5 ppb | 0 ppb (no safe level) | 15 ppb (action level) | ✓ Low |
| Chlorine / Chloramine | 1 mg/L | Taste threshold ~1.0 | 4.0 mg/L | ✓ Normal |
| Nitrate | 1 mg/L | 5 mg/L | 10 mg/L | ✓ OK |
Good news for ${esc(c.city)} residents. Your water quality is generally good. Most homes in this area do not need a water softener. If you have concerns about lead (especially in buildings constructed before 1986) or chlorine taste, a point-of-use filter is the most practical and cost-effective solution.
About Hartford's Water Supply
Water Utility: MDC
Water Source: Barkhamsted Reservoir
Population Served: 121,054
Hardness: 48 PPM (2.8 grains per gallon)
Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by MDC. To get exact numbers for your address, request a copy of the most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your utility, or have your water independently tested.
Compare Hartford to Other Connecticut Cities
Frequently Asked Questions About Hartford Water
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Data sources. Water quality data compiled from EPA SDWIS, EWG Tap Water Database, USGS water hardness studies, and the MDC Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.