TapSafetyReport
D29/100

Colchester Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)

Serving 4,020 residents · Connecticut

What's In Colchester's Tap Water?

31
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
PFOS
0.009 µg/L0.004 µg/LOver Limit

EPA Violation History

12

Violations (last 5yr)

2

Unresolved

0

Health-Related

TIER 3Resolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: August 10, 2025 – August 29, 2025Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: July 1, 2025 – July 25, 2025Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: June 15, 2025 – August 29, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: June 15, 2025 – August 29, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: May 25, 2024 – August 29, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to E. coli (RTCR)

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: March 1, 2024 – March 31, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to E. coli (RTCR)

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2024 – January 31, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Unresolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: July 1, 2023 – July 17, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 1, 2022 – November 30, 2022Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: July 1, 2021 – July 2, 2021Enforcement: 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

COLCHESTER SEWER & WATER COMMISSION
Population Served

4,020

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

CT0280011

Frequently Asked Questions About Colchester Water

Is Colchester tap water safe to drink?

Colchester, Connecticut tap water receives a grade of D (29/100), which is considered poor. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 63 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.

What contaminants are in Colchester's water?

Of the 31 contaminants tested in Colchester's water supply, the most notable include PFOS. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.

Does Colchester have any water quality violations?

Yes, Colchester has 63 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, MR, MON. None of these are classified as health-based violations.

Do I need a water filter in Colchester?

Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Colchester is recommended. 1 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.

Where does Colchester's tap water come from?

Colchester's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by COLCHESTER SEWER & WATER COMMISSION. The system serves approximately 4,020 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.

How often is Colchester'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. Colchester'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 Colchester's water compare to other cities in Connecticut?

Colchester's water quality score of 29/100 earns a grade of D, which is considered poor. 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 Colchester's water quality?

If you have concerns about Colchester'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 (COLCHESTER SEWER & WATER COMMISSION) 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.

Nearby Cities in Connecticut

SheltonCNew HavenCHartfordAClintonCWaterburyA