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Not health advice. Contact your local water utility for concerns.
Data from EPA Water Quality Reports. For official information, contact your water utility or health department.
Water quality data for 5 cities serving 586,242 residents
Hartford County in Connecticut has an average water quality score of 86/100 (Grade B) based on analysis of 5 municipal water systems. The county's water systems serve approximately 586,242 residents.
Overall, Hartford County demonstrates good water quality standards. 3 of 5 cities exceed the county average, with New Britain leading with a score of 99/100.
5 cities ranked by water quality score
| Rank | City | Score | Grade | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hartford Biggest deduction: 1 monitoring/reporting violation in the last 5 years (−1 pts) | 99 | A | 390,887 |
| 2 | New Britain Biggest deduction: 1 monitoring/reporting violation in the last 5 years (−1 pts) | 99 | A | 73,534 |
| 3 | Bristol Biggest deduction: PFOA detected at up to 4.1 ppt in UCMR5 sampling (2024-06-06), at or above EPA's 4 ppt MCL (−10 pts) | 88 | B | 52,079 |
| 4 | Enfield Biggest deduction: PFOA detected at up to 8.6 ppt in UCMR5 sampling (2023-09-18), at or above EPA's 4 ppt MCL (−10 pts) | 74 | C | 18,544 |
| 5 | Manchester Biggest deduction: PFOA detected at up to 13 ppt in UCMR5 sampling (2024-07-23), at or above EPA's 4 ppt MCL (−10 pts) | 72 | C | 51,198 |
Real EPA readings across county water systems (lead: latest 90th percentile; PFAS: UCMR5 2023–2026; others: 2012–2019 averages)
| Contaminant | Avg Level | Max Level | EPA Limit | % of Limit | Cities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFAS (PFOA/PFOS max, UCMR5) | 5.74 ppt | 16 ppt | 4 ppt | 143.5% | 5 |
| TTHM (2012–2019 avg) | 30.243 ug/L | 44.358 ug/L | 80 ug/L | 37.8% | 5 |
| HAA5 (2012–2019 avg) | 14.594 ug/L | 28.496 ug/L | 60 ug/L | 24.3% | 5 |
| Fluoride (2012–2019 avg) | 0.679 mg/L | 0.905 mg/L | 4 mg/L | 17% | 5 |
| Nitrate (2012–2019 avg) | 1.414 mg/L | 4.24 mg/L | 10 mg/L | 14.1% | 5 |
| Radium (2012–2019 avg) | 0.212 pCi/L | 0.638 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L | 4.2% | 5 |
| Arsenic (2012–2019 avg) | 0.166 ug/L | 0.832 ug/L | 10 ug/L | 1.7% | 5 |
| Lead (90th percentile) | 0.14 ppb | 0.7 ppb | 15 ppb | 0.9% | 5 |
Recent violations across county water systems
Monitoring & reporting — Monitoring, Turbidity (Enhanced SWTR) - Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
5/31/2025
Other — Consumer Confidence Report Inadequate Reporting - Consumer Confidence Rule
8/9/2023
Other — Consumer Confidence Report Complete Failure to Report - Consumer Confidence Rule
6/30/2022
Other — Consumer Confidence Report Complete Failure to Report - Consumer Confidence Rule
6/30/2022
Showing 10 of 20 recent violations
Water quality in Hartford County, Connecticut reflects the region's unique combination of water sources, treatment infrastructure, and environmental factors. Our comprehensive analysis examines 5 municipal water systems serving a combined population of over 586,242 residents.
The county shows strong water quality performance, with scores ranging from 72/100 in Manchester to 99/100 in New Britain. This 27-point spread indicates significant variation in water quality across the county, suggesting different water sources or treatment approaches.
The most prevalent contaminants detected across Hartford County water systems include PFAS (PFOA/PFOS max, UCMR5), TTHM (2012–2019 avg), HAA5 (2012–2019 avg). At least one reading averages above 50% of its EPA limit across the county's systems, worth attention from residents and utilities.
Hartford County's water quality is generally good. Residents can feel confident in their tap water quality, though those with specific health concerns or sensitivity to certain contaminants may still benefit from filtration. Regular review of your city's annual Consumer Confidence Report is recommended.
Hartford County has an average water quality score of 86/100 (Grade B) based on analysis of 5 municipal water systems serving 586,242 residents.
New Britain has the highest water quality score in Hartford County at 99/100. View the detailed report for New Britain.
Most cities in Hartford County have water that meets EPA standards. However, a water filter can provide additional protection and improve taste. The need depends on your specific city and any personal health considerations.
Click on any city in the rankings table above to view its detailed water quality report, including contaminant levels, EPA compliance history, and filter recommendations.