F0/100
Bristol Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 52,079 residents · Connecticut
What's In Bristol's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
EPA Violation History
2
Violations (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: August 10, 2025 – September 25, 2025Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2022 – October 5, 2022Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
BRISTOL WATER DEPARTMENT
Population Served
52,079
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
CT0170011
Frequently Asked Questions About Bristol Water
Is Bristol tap water safe to drink?
Bristol, Connecticut tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 118 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Bristol's water?
69 contaminants were tested in Bristol's water supply. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs) or health goals (MCLGs), which is a positive indicator of water quality.
Does Bristol have any water quality violations?
Yes, Bristol has 118 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, MR, MCL. 2 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Bristol?
Bristol water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. All contaminants are within health goals.
Where does Bristol's tap water come from?
Bristol's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by BRISTOL WATER DEPARTMENT. The system serves approximately 52,079 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Bristol's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Bristol's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Bristol's water compare to other cities in Connecticut?
Bristol's water quality score of 0/100 earns a grade of F, which is considered failing. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our Connecticut state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Bristol's water quality?
If you have concerns about Bristol's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (BRISTOL WATER DEPARTMENT) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.