WaterVerge

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 ↓

673 residents served 7 water systems PWSID: CT0410744
Overall Score
47 / 100
Violations
98 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#107 of 158 in Connecticut Top 88% nationally
Private
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
DGRADE
Water Quality Grade
47/100
waterverge.com
D 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.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

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.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
47 out of 100 Grade D
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
0/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 1.8 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is East Haddam, CT water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

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).

98
Active Violations
1.8 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)

Recent water quality updates for East Haddam

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into East Haddam's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for East Haddam's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.8 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

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.

MROtherRPTTTMONMCL
Most recent violations:
Sep 2025 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Aug 2025 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2025 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2025 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Dec 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Open

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

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in East Haddam's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.8 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 12% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

306
Total violations
26
Health-based
98
Active / unresolved
Sep 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

306 Total
98 Active
26 Health-based
208 Resolved
Violations by category
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
75
Total Coliform Rule
33
Revised Total Coliform Rule
31
Consumer Confidence Rule
28
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
26
Sep 2025 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Aug 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Dec 2024 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Dec 2024 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2024 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Sep 2024 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Jul 2024 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Aug 2023 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
May 2023 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Apr 2023 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Dec 2022 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Aug 2022 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Aug 2022 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Showing 20 of 306 violations

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.8 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 14.0 ppb from 2003 (14.0 ppb) to 2025 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Private
Population Served
673
Water Systems
7
Water Source

Where East Haddam's water comes from

Groundwater

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.

Local Hydrology

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.

Indian River
river
Infrastructure

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
Regional Comparison

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.

East Haddam (this city)
47
Ansonia
49.4
Ansonia
33.5
Ansonia
34.5
Berlin
41
Connecticut avg
47
City Profile

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.

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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.