Is North Canaan, CT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.9/100
waterverge.com North Canaan, CT — Water Quality Report
North Canaan's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,481 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.3 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 7 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about North Canaan's water
North Canaan ranks #20 out of 158 cities in Connecticut for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
North Canaan 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, North Canaan may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is North Canaan, CT water safe to drink?
North Canaan's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,481 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for North Canaan
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into North Canaan's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.9/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for North Canaan's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
North Canaan's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does North Canaan's water come from?
North Canaan's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,481 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Housatonic River (river), Naugatuck River (river), Rooster River (river).
What North Canaan residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in North Canaan'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. | 1.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how North Canaan compares by contaminant
Explore where North Canaan ranks among all Connecticut cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where North Canaan's water comes from
North Canaan'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 1,481 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near North Canaan
North Canaan is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving North Canaan
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| AQUARION-NORTH CANAAN | CT1000011 | 1,481 | GW |
How North Canaan compares
Full Connecticut rankings →North Canaan's score of 83.9/100 is above the average of 47/100 among major Connecticut cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Connecticut rankings →About North Canaan, CT
Wikipedia →Shelton is a city in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 40,869 at the 2020 United States Census. The city is part of the Naugatuck Valley Planning Region.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to North Canaan's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Litchfield
Frequently asked questions
Is North Canaan, CT tap water safe to drink?
North Canaan's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #20 out of 158 cities tested in Connecticut.
What contaminants are in North Canaan's water?
Lead was measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is North Canaan'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 North Canaan?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does North Canaan's water come from?
North Canaan's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,481 residents.
Is North Canaan's groundwater at risk of contamination?
North Canaan 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 7 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 North Canaan's water compare to other cities?
North Canaan ranks #20 out of 158 cities in Connecticut (better than 87% of state cities) and #6189 out of 15744 cities nationally (61th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does North Canaan's small water system affect quality?
North Canaan's system serves approximately 1,481 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 7 violations on record.