A86/100
Waterbury Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 107,271 residents · Connecticut
What's In Waterbury's Tap Water?
76
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.004 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
5
Violations (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2024 – July 15, 2024Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Monitoring / Reporting Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: December 30, 2022 – February 9, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: August 10, 2022 – October 25, 2022Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: August 10, 2021 – June 30, 2021Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2021 – June 30, 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
WATERBURY WATER DEPARTMENT
Population Served
107,271
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
CT1510011
Frequently Asked Questions About Waterbury Water
Is Waterbury tap water safe to drink?
Waterbury, Connecticut tap water receives a grade of A (86/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 76 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 1 exceed health guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in Waterbury's water?
Of the 76 contaminants tested in Waterbury's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Waterbury have any water quality violations?
Yes, Waterbury has 11 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include Other, MR. None of these are classified as health-based violations.
Do I need a water filter in Waterbury?
Waterbury 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. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Waterbury's tap water come from?
Waterbury's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by WATERBURY WATER DEPARTMENT. The system serves approximately 107,271 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Waterbury'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. Waterbury'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 Waterbury's water compare to other cities in Connecticut?
Waterbury's water quality score of 86/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Waterbury among the better-performing water systems in Connecticut. Visit our Connecticut state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Waterbury's water quality?
If you have concerns about Waterbury'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 (WATERBURY 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.