Is Durham, CT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 119 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
49/100
waterverge.com Durham, CT — Water Quality Report
Durham's drinking water received a grade of D (49 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 7 water systems serve approximately 2,546 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 664 violations on record, including 46 health-based violations. 119 remain unresolved.
What to know about Durham's water
Durham ranks #93 out of 158 cities in Connecticut for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Durham may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 98 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Durham, CT water safe to drink?
Durham's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (49/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 7 water systems serve approximately 2,546 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Durham
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Durham's water quality assessment. Grade: D (49/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Durham's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Durham's water system has 664 total violations on record, including 46 health-based violations. 119 remain unresolved. 98 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Durham's water come from?
Durham's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 7 water systems serving approximately 2,546 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Mattabesset River (river), Coginchaug River (river), Connecticut River Nr Boat House (stream), Connecticut River (stream), Farm River (river).
What Durham residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Durham'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Durham
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Durham, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1,252 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ALLNEX USA INC. WALLINGFORD CT SITE WALLINGFORD, CT06492 | Methanol | 1,044 | 8.0 mi |
MIDDLETOWN POWER LLC MIDDLETOWN, CT06457 | Ammonia | 125 | 7.9 mi |
TRADEBE TREATMENT & RECYCLING NORTHEAST LLC MERIDEN, CT06451 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 50 | 8.1 mi |
PRATT & WHITNEY MIDDLETOWN, CT06457 | Nickel | 30 | 7.7 mi |
NUCOR STEEL CONNECTICUT WALLINGFORD, CT06492 | Lead And Lead Compounds | 3 | 8.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Durham
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- DURHAM MEADOWS0.9 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Durham compares by contaminant
Explore where Durham ranks among all Connecticut cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Durham's water comes from
Durham's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,546 people through 7 water systems.
Water bodies near Durham
Durham is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Durham
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DURHAM CENTER DIVISION | CT0380021 | 1,601 | SWP |
| YESHIVA OF WATERBURY-DURHAM CAMPUS | CT0380041 | 490 | GW |
| BLUE TRAILS WATER ASSOCIATION | CT0990011 | 228 | GW |
| TWIN MAPLES NURSING HOME | CT0381011 | 100 | GW |
| DURHAM ELDERLY HOUSING DIVISION | CT0380641 | 50 | GW |
| DURHAM LEXINGTON PLACE DIVISION | CT0380651 | 45 | GW |
| OLD INDIAN TRAIL | CT0820501 | 32 | GW |
How Durham compares
Full Connecticut rankings →Durham's score of 49/100 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 Durham, CT
Wikipedia →Durham is a town in Middlesex County, Connecticut, United States. Durham is a former farming village on the Coginchaug River in central Connecticut. The town is part of the Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region. The population was 7,152 at the 2020 census. Every autumn, the town hosts the Durham Fair, the largest volunteer agricultural fair in New England.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Durham's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Middlesex
Frequently asked questions
Is Durham, CT tap water safe to drink?
Durham's water quality earned a grade of D (49/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #93 out of 158 cities tested in Connecticut.
What contaminants are in Durham's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 664 violations are on record.
How is Durham'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 Durham?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Durham's water come from?
Durham's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 7 water systems serving approximately 2,546 residents.
What health violations has Durham's water system had?
Durham has 46 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 119 violations remain unresolved.
How does Durham's water compare to other cities?
Durham ranks #93 out of 158 cities in Connecticut (better than 41% of state cities) and #13340 out of 15744 cities nationally (15th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.