D22/100
Meriden Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 58,441 residents · Connecticut
What's In Meriden's Tap Water?
76
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
EPA Violation History
6
Violations (last 5yr)
4
Unresolved
2
Health-Related
TIER 2Unresolved
Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report
TIER 2Unresolved
Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: August 10, 2024 – September 17, 2024Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Failed to issue ongoing public notification
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: October 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: 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
MERIDEN WATER DIVISION
Population Served
58,441
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
CT0800011
Frequently Asked Questions About Meriden Water
Is Meriden tap water safe to drink?
Meriden, Connecticut tap water receives a grade of D (22/100), which is considered poor. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 54 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Meriden's water?
76 contaminants were tested in Meriden's water supply. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs) or health goals (MCLGs), which is a positive indicator of water quality.
Does Meriden have any water quality violations?
Yes, Meriden has 54 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, TT, MR. 6 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Meriden?
Meriden 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 Meriden's tap water come from?
Meriden's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by MERIDEN WATER DIVISION. The system serves approximately 58,441 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Meriden'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. Meriden'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 Meriden's water compare to other cities in Connecticut?
Meriden's water quality score of 22/100 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 Meriden's water quality?
If you have concerns about Meriden'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 (MERIDEN WATER DIVISION) 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.