WaterVerge

Is Killingworth, CT Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded C-, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

837 residents served 2 water systems PWSID: CT0700011
Overall Score
55.8 / 100
Violations
7 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#81 of 158 in Connecticut Top 80% nationally
Private
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
C-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
55.8/100
waterverge.com
C- 55.8/100

Killingworth, CT — Water Quality Report

Killingworth's drinking water received a grade of C- (55.8 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 837 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 2.7 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 162 violations on record, including 35 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Killingworth's water

Killingworth ranks #81 out of 158 cities in Connecticut for water quality, placing it below average in the state.

Killingworth 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, Killingworth may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

The system has seen 57 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
55.8 out of 100 Grade C-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
3.8/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 2.7 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
10/10
A
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Killingworth, CT water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Killingworth's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (55.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 837 residents using groundwater (wells).

7
Active Violations
2.7 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)

Recent water quality updates for Killingworth

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Killingworth's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (55.8/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Public Notice.

Violation
20 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: DICHLOROMETHANE, o-Dichlorobenzene, trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Key contaminant findings

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

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 2.7 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Killingworth's water system has 162 total violations on record, including 35 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 57 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

OtherMRMCL
Most recent violations:
May 2024 Public Notice Open
Jan 2024 DICHLOROMETHANE Resolved
Jan 2024 o-Dichlorobenzene Resolved
Jan 2024 trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene Resolved
Jan 2024 1,1,1-Trichloroethane Resolved

Where does Killingworth's water come from?

Killingworth's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 837 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 Killingworth residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Killingworth'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
2.7 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 18% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

162
Total violations
35
Health-based
7
Active / unresolved
May 2024
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

162 Total
7 Active
35 Health-based
155 Resolved
Violations by category
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
62
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
62
Volatile Organic Chemicals
20
Total Coliform Rule
6
Nitrate Rule
4
May 2024 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2022 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2016 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
May 2011 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2009 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2009 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2024 Resolved
DICHLOROMETHANE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Jan 2024 Resolved
o-Dichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Jan 2024 Resolved
trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Jan 2024 Resolved
1,1,1-Trichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Jan 2024 Resolved
cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Jan 2024 Resolved
Carbon tetrachloride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Jan 2024 Resolved
1,2-Dichloropropane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Jan 2024 Resolved
1,1,2-Trichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Jan 2024 Resolved
Tetrachloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Jan 2024 Resolved
CHLOROBENZENE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Jan 2024 Resolved
Ethylbenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Jan 2024 Resolved
Styrene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Jan 2024 Resolved
1,1-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Showing 20 of 162 violations

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 2.7 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 1.0 ppb from 2002 (2.0 ppb) to 2025 (1.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Private
Population Served
837
Water Systems
2
Water Source

Where Killingworth's water comes from

Groundwater

Killingworth'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 837 people through 2 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Killingworth

Killingworth 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 Killingworth

System Name PWSID Population Source
CTWC - JENSENS BEECHWOOD SYSTEM CT0700011 750 GW
M&M REALTY HOLDINGS LLC CT0709133 87 GW
Regional Comparison

How Killingworth compares

Full Connecticut rankings →

Killingworth's score of 55.8/100 is above the average of 47/100 among major Connecticut cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.

Killingworth (this city)
55.8
Ansonia
49.4
Ansonia
33.5
Ansonia
34.5
Berlin
41
Connecticut avg
47
City Profile

About Killingworth, 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 Killingworth, CT tap water safe to drink?

Killingworth's water quality earned a grade of C- (55.8/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #81 out of 158 cities tested in Connecticut.

What contaminants are in Killingworth's water?

Lead was measured at 2.7 ppb (90th percentile). 162 violations are on record.

How is Killingworth'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 Killingworth?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Killingworth's water come from?

Killingworth's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 837 residents.

What health violations has Killingworth's water system had?

Killingworth has 35 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.

Is Killingworth's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Killingworth 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 162 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 Killingworth's water compare to other cities?

Killingworth ranks #81 out of 158 cities in Connecticut (better than 49% of state cities) and #12512 out of 15744 cities nationally (21th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.