Is Salisbury, CT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 17 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.2/100
waterverge.com Salisbury, CT — Water Quality Report
Salisbury's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,520 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 43 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved.
What to know about Salisbury's water
Salisbury ranks #19 out of 158 cities in Connecticut for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Salisbury may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Salisbury, CT water safe to drink?
Salisbury's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,520 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Salisbury
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Salisbury's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.2/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Salisbury's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Salisbury's water system has 43 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Salisbury's water come from?
Salisbury's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,520 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Housatonic River (river), Naugatuck River (river), Rooster River (river).
What Salisbury residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Salisbury'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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Salisbury compares by contaminant
Explore where Salisbury ranks among all Connecticut cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Salisbury's water comes from
Salisbury's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 2,520 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Salisbury
Salisbury is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Salisbury
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| AQUARION-SALISBURY | CT1220011 | 1,932 | SW |
| SALISBURY SCHOOL | CT1220061 | 520 | GW |
| CHATFIELD HILL ASSN., INC. | CT1221031 | 68 | GW |
How Salisbury compares
Full Connecticut rankings →Salisbury's score of 84.2/100 is above the average of 47/100 among major Connecticut cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Connecticut rankings →About Salisbury, 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 Salisbury's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Litchfield
Frequently asked questions
Is Salisbury, CT tap water safe to drink?
Salisbury's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #19 out of 158 cities tested in Connecticut.
What contaminants are in Salisbury's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 43 violations are on record.
How is Salisbury'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 Salisbury?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Salisbury's water come from?
Salisbury's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,520 residents.
What health violations has Salisbury's water system had?
Salisbury has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 17 violations remain unresolved.
How does Salisbury's water compare to other cities?
Salisbury ranks #19 out of 158 cities in Connecticut (better than 88% of state cities) and #6045 out of 15744 cities nationally (62th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.