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 ↓
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.
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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Killingworth, CT water safe to drink?
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).
Recent water quality updates for Killingworth
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Killingworth's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (55.8/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: DICHLOROMETHANE, o-Dichlorobenzene, trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Killingworth's water supply.
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.
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
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Killingworth'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. | 2.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Killingworth compares by contaminant
Explore where Killingworth ranks among all Connecticut cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Killingworth's water comes from
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.
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.
Water systems serving Killingworth
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CTWC - JENSENS BEECHWOOD SYSTEM | CT0700011 | 750 | GW |
| M&M REALTY HOLDINGS LLC | CT0709133 | 87 | GW |
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.
Nearby cities
View Connecticut rankings →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.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Killingworth's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Middlesex
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.