Is Ashford, CT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 180 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
47/100
waterverge.com Ashford, CT — Water Quality Report
Ashford's drinking water received a grade of D (47 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 8 water systems serve approximately 1,008 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 588 violations on record, including 32 health-based violations. 180 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ashford's water
Ashford ranks #105 out of 158 cities in Connecticut for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Ashford relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Ashford may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 78 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ashford, CT water safe to drink?
Ashford's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (47/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 8 water systems serve approximately 1,008 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ashford
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ashford's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ashford's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ashford's water system has 588 total violations on record, including 32 health-based violations. 180 remain unresolved. 78 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Ashford's water come from?
Ashford's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 8 water systems serving approximately 1,008 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Indian River (river).
What Ashford residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ashford's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 1.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ashford compares by contaminant
Explore where Ashford ranks among all Connecticut cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ashford's water comes from
Ashford's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 1,008 people through 8 water systems.
Water bodies near Ashford
Ashford is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Ashford
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CTWC - ASHFORD PARK DIVISION | CT0030031 | 334 | GW |
| PERRY HILL ESTATES APARTMENTS INC. | CT0030021 | 144 | GW |
| ASHFORD HILLS APARTMENTS | CT0030011 | 136 | GW |
| BIRCH HILLS CONDOMINIUMS | CT0030041 | 132 | GW |
| WOODLAWN APARTMENTS | CT0030051 | 96 | GW |
| EVANGELICAL CHRISTIAN CENTER - MAIN | CT0037001 | 84 | GW |
| MAR-LEA PARK APARTMENTS | CT0030061 | 50 | GW |
| CTWC - POMPEY HOLLOW DIVISION | CT0030411 | 32 | GW |
How Ashford compares
Full Connecticut rankings →Ashford's score of 47/100 is on par with the average of 47/100 among major Connecticut cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Connecticut rankings →About Ashford, CT
Wikipedia →Clinton is a town in Middlesex County, Connecticut, United States. The town is part of the Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region. The population of the town was 13,185 at the 2020 census. The town center along the shore line was listed as a census-designated place (CDP) by the U.S. Census Bureau in the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ashford's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Windham
Frequently asked questions
Is Ashford, CT tap water safe to drink?
Ashford's water quality earned a grade of D (47/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #105 out of 158 cities tested in Connecticut.
What contaminants are in Ashford's water?
Lead was measured at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile). 588 violations are on record.
How is Ashford's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Ashford?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ashford's water come from?
Ashford's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 8 water systems serving approximately 1,008 residents.
What health violations has Ashford's water system had?
Ashford has 32 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 180 violations remain unresolved.
Is Ashford's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ashford uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 588 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Ashford's water compare to other cities?
Ashford ranks #105 out of 158 cities in Connecticut (better than 34% of state cities) and #13778 out of 15744 cities nationally (13th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.