Is Sheffield, CT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91.2/100
Sheffield, CT — Water Quality Report
Sheffield's drinking water received a grade of A (91.2 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 987 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.1 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 5 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sheffield's water
Sheffield ranks #4 out of 158 cities in Connecticut for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Sheffield 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, Sheffield may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sheffield, CT water safe to drink?
Sheffield's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 987 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sheffield
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sheffield's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.2/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sheffield's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sheffield's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Where does Sheffield's water come from?
Sheffield's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 987 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Rooster River (river), Mill River (river), Sasco Brook (river), Aspetuck River (river).
What Sheffield residents can do
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. | 1.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sheffield compares by contaminant
Explore where Sheffield ranks among all Connecticut cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sheffield's water comes from
Sheffield'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 987 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Sheffield
Sheffield is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Sheffield
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| AQUARION WATER COMPANY | MA1267000 | 987 | GW |
How Sheffield compares
Full Connecticut rankings →Sheffield's score of 91.2/100 is above the average of 47/100 among major Connecticut cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Connecticut rankings →About Sheffield, CT
Wikipedia →Bridgeport is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Connecticut and the fifth-most populous city in New England, with a population of 148,654 in 2020. Located in eastern Fairfield County at the mouth of the Pequonnock River on Long Island Sound, it is a port city 60 miles (97 km) from Manhattan and 40 miles (64 km) from The Bronx. It borders the towns of Trumbull to the north, Fairfield to the west, and Stratford to the east. Bridgeport and other towns in Fairfield County make up the Greater Bridgeport Planning Region, as well as the Bridgeport–Stamford–Norwalk–Danbury metropolitan statistical area, the second largest metropolitan area in Connecticut. The Bridgeport–Stamford–Norwalk–Danbury metropolis forms part of the New York metropolitan area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sheffield's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Berkshire
Frequently asked questions
Is Sheffield, CT tap water safe to drink?
Sheffield's water quality earned a grade of A (91.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #4 out of 158 cities tested in Connecticut.
What contaminants are in Sheffield's water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is Sheffield'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 Sheffield?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sheffield's water come from?
Sheffield's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 987 residents.
What health violations has Sheffield's water system had?
Sheffield has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2012. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Sheffield's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sheffield 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 5 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 Sheffield's water compare to other cities?
Sheffield ranks #4 out of 158 cities in Connecticut (better than 97% of state cities) and #1833 out of 15744 cities nationally (88th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Sheffield's small water system affect quality?
Sheffield's system serves approximately 987 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 5 violations on record.