Tap Water Results

Is Waterbury, CT tap water safe?

Data: U.S. EPA · How we read the data · How we check it

Summary

No federal limits exceeded in EPA data for Waterbury Water Department.

4 public water systems serve parts of Waterbury. The largest, Waterbury Water Department, serves 107,271 people. Your water bill names your system.

Largest system

Waterbury Water Department

107,271 people · Surface water · EPA ID CT1510011

PFASHighest averageLimitStatus
PFOA
Not detected
–4 pptNot detected
PFOS
Not detected
–4 pptNot detected
PFHxS
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected
PFNA
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected
HFPO-DA (GenX)
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected

ppt = parts per trillion. "Highest average" is the highest average at any of the system's entry points, the way EPA compares results with the limits.

Lead: 0.05 ppb at the 90th percentile (Dec 2025, and 9 in 10 homes sampled were at or below it) Below action level
Health-based violations since 2016: 0

Full Waterbury Water Department results

Across Connecticut, 29 of 62 water systems EPA tested had PFAS above a 2024 federal limit, and 1 system were above the lead action level in results from the last five years. Connecticut results.

Waterbury homes and lead pipes

76%
of homes built before 1980 (Connecticut 67%, US 50%)
38%
built before 1950 (Connecticut 27%)
53%
of households rent (Connecticut 34%)

Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so homes from before then are the ones to check. Renting? Ask your landlord what the service line is made of, because it's their pipe to replace. How to check your own line.

Housing: Census American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates for Waterbury city (tables B25034, B25003). Estimates for small places have a margin of error.

Other water systems serving Waterbury

  • Connecticut Water Company – Naugatuck Region-Central System
    22,735 people · Surface water · Connecticut · lists this city
    No PFAS above limits
  • Watertown Water & Sewer Authority
    9,972 people · Purchased surface water · Connecticut · lists this city
    No PFAS above limits
  • Wolcott Water Department
    2,550 people · Purchased surface water · Connecticut · lists this city
    Not in EPA's PFAS sample

How nearby cities compare

CityMain water systemPFASLead (90th pct.)
Naugatuck 5 mi
Connecticut Water Company – Naugatuck Region-Central System
Connecticut Water Company – Naugatuck Region-Central SystemNone above limits0 ppb
Bristol 10 mi
Bristol Water Department
Bristol Water DepartmentAbove limit0 ppb
Meriden 13 mi
Regional Water Authority
Regional Water AuthorityAbove limit0 ppb
New Britain 15 mi
New Britain Water Department
New Britain Water DepartmentNone above limits0 ppb
New Haven 18 mi
Regional Water Authority
Regional Water AuthorityAbove limit0 ppb
Shelton 18 mi
Aquarion-Eastern Fairfield County
Aquarion-Eastern Fairfield CountyNone above limits0 ppb
Waterbury ZIP codes (6)
  • 06702
  • 06704
  • 06705
  • 06706
  • 06708
  • 06710

Questions

Is Waterbury tap water safe to drink?

Waterbury Water Department has had no health-based violations since 2016. Utility data can't show lead from your own pipes: if your home was built before 1986, test your tap. Your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report is the official summary.

Who supplies water in Waterbury, CT?

4 public water systems serve parts of Waterbury. The largest is Waterbury Water Department (107,271 people). Your water bill names your system. The EPA ID is also on your utility's Consumer Confidence Report.

Does Waterbury tap water have PFAS?

None detected above EPA's reporting limits. Waterbury Water Department had no PFAS detected in EPA's 2023–2025 testing. "Not detected" means below the reporting limit (about 2 to 20 ppt), not proven zero.

Do Waterbury homes have lead pipes?

Census estimates put 76% of Waterbury homes as built before 1980 (Connecticut: 67%). Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so older homes are more likely to have them. Waterbury Water Department's service line inventory says what your line is made of. The only way to know for your home is to check the line where it enters the house and test your tap.

Source: U.S. EPA drinking water records and PFAS testing (UCMR 5). How we read the data.