Is West Haven, CT tap water safe?
Data: U.S. EPA · How we read the data · How we check it
Summary
Regional Water Authority had PFAS above the 2024 federal limits (PFOA, PFOS) in EPA's 2023–2025 testing.
Is it an emergency? No: PFAS limits are about years of exposure, not a glass of water, and nothing in EPA's data calls for you to stop drinking the water today. If your utility issues a boil-water or do-not-drink notice, follow it.
Regional Water Authority supplies West Haven (418,900 people).
Water system
Regional Water Authority
418,900 people · Surface water · EPA ID CT0930011
Buys treated water from Wallingford Water Department, Southington Water Department, Aquarion-East Derby, Aquarion-Valley, Connecticut Water Company – Shoreline Region-Guilford System.
| PFAS | Highest average | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| PFOA Above limit | 6.7 ppt | 4 ppt |
| PFOS Above limit | 9.4 ppt | 4 ppt |
| PFHxS Not detected | – | 10 ppt |
| PFNA Not detected | – | 10 ppt |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) Not detected | – | 10 ppt |
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.
For context: the PFOA average is higher than at 82% of the Connecticut systems EPA tested and the PFOS average is higher than at 90% of the Connecticut systems EPA tested.
Lead: 0 ppb at the 90th percentile (Nov 2026, and 9 in 10 homes sampled were at or below it) Below action level
Health-based violations since 2016: 0
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.
West Haven homes and lead pipes
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 West Haven city (tables B25034, B25003). Estimates for small places have a margin of error.
How nearby cities compare
| City | PFAS | Lead (90th pct.) |
|---|---|---|
| New Haven 3 mi Regional Water Authority | Above limit | 0 ppb |
| Milford 6 mi Regional Water Authority | Above limit | 0 ppb |
| Shelton 9 mi Aquarion-Eastern Fairfield County | None above limits | 0 ppb |
| Bridgeport 13 mi Aquarion-Eastern Fairfield County | None above limits | 0 ppb |
| Naugatuck 16 mi Connecticut Water Company – Naugatuck Region-Central System | None above limits | 0 ppb |
| Waterbury 20 mi Waterbury Water Department | None above limits | 0.05 ppb |
West Haven ZIP codes (1)
- 06516
Questions
Is West Haven tap water safe to drink?
Regional Water Authority has had no health-based violations since 2016, and EPA testing found PFAS above the 2024 federal limits, which it must meet by 2029. 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 West Haven, CT?
Regional Water Authority, which serves 418,900 people.
Does West Haven tap water have PFAS?
Yes. EPA's 2023–2025 testing found entry-point averages above the 2024 federal limits for PFOA and PFOS at Regional Water Authority. Systems have until 2029 to meet them.
Do West Haven homes have lead pipes?
Census estimates put 80% of West Haven 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. Regional Water Authority'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.