Is East Haddam, CT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 98 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
47/100
East Haddam, CT — Water Quality Report
East Haddam's drinking water received a grade of D (47 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 7 water systems serve approximately 673 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.8 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 306 violations on record, including 26 health-based violations. 98 remain unresolved.
What to know about East Haddam's water
East Haddam ranks #107 out of 158 cities in Connecticut for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
East Haddam 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, East Haddam may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 49 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is East Haddam, CT water safe to drink?
East Haddam'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 7 water systems serve approximately 673 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for East Haddam
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into East Haddam's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for East Haddam's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
East Haddam's water system has 306 total violations on record, including 26 health-based violations. 98 remain unresolved. 49 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does East Haddam's water come from?
East Haddam's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 7 water systems serving approximately 673 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 East Haddam residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in East Haddam'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. | 1.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how East Haddam compares by contaminant
Explore where East Haddam ranks among all Connecticut cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where East Haddam's water comes from
East Haddam'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 673 people through 7 water systems.
Water bodies near East Haddam
East Haddam is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving East Haddam
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CTWC - BANNER VILLAGE | CT0410744 | 265 | GW |
| CHESTELM HEALTH & REHABILITATION CENTER | CT0411061 | 120 | GW |
| FRANKLIN ACADEMY | CT0418011 | 81 | GW |
| OAK GROVE SENIOR HOUSING CORP | CT0413011 | 72 | GW |
| GREEN VILLAGE | CT0419241 | 65 | GW |
| GOODSPEED ACTOR HOUSING - THE VILLAGE | CT0419211 | 40 | GW |
| 31 GRIST MILL RD | CT0419221 | 30 | GW |
How East Haddam compares
Full Connecticut rankings →East Haddam'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 East Haddam, 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 East Haddam's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Middlesex
Frequently asked questions
Is East Haddam, CT tap water safe to drink?
East Haddam's water quality earned a grade of D (47/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #107 out of 158 cities tested in Connecticut.
What contaminants are in East Haddam's water?
Lead was measured at 1.8 ppb (90th percentile). 306 violations are on record.
How is East Haddam'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 East Haddam?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does East Haddam's water come from?
East Haddam's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 7 water systems serving approximately 673 residents.
What health violations has East Haddam's water system had?
East Haddam has 26 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. 98 violations remain unresolved.
Is East Haddam's groundwater at risk of contamination?
East Haddam 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 306 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 East Haddam's water compare to other cities?
East Haddam ranks #107 out of 158 cities in Connecticut (better than 32% of state cities) and #13793 out of 15744 cities nationally (12th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.