Is Willington, CT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
43/100
Willington, CT — Water Quality Report
Willington's drinking water received a grade of F (43 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 10 water systems serve approximately 1,822 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.6 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 370 violations on record, including 41 health-based violations. 120 remain unresolved.
What to know about Willington's water
Willington ranks #122 out of 158 cities in Connecticut for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Willington 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, Willington may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 48 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Willington, CT water safe to drink?
Willington's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (43/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 10 water systems serve approximately 1,822 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Willington
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Willington's water quality assessment. Grade: F (43/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Willington's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Willington's water system has 370 total violations on record, including 41 health-based violations. 120 remain unresolved. 48 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Willington's water come from?
Willington's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 10 water systems serving approximately 1,822 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Willimantic River (river), Mount Hope River (river), Fenton River (river).
What Willington residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Willington'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
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Willington's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 0.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.92 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Willington compares by contaminant
Explore where Willington ranks among all Connecticut cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Willington's water comes from
Willington'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 1,822 people through 10 water systems.
Water bodies near Willington
Willington is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Willington
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WOODHAVEN APARTMENTS | CT1600031 | 489 | GW |
| WILLINGTON SENIOR CENTER & HOUSING | CT1609141 | 327 | GW |
| WALDEN APARTMENTS | CT1600041 | 276 | GW |
| CTWC - RIVERSEDGE DIVISION | CT1609111 | 179 | GWP |
| DEER PARK APARTMENTS | CT1600071 | 125 | GW |
| WILLINGTON RIDGE CONDOS - SYSTEM #1 | CT1606111 | 102 | GW |
| WILLINGTON RIDGE CONDOS - SYSTEM #2 | CT1606211 | 102 | GW |
| RIDGEVIEW HEIGHTS | CT1600051 | 96 | GW |
| NORTH WILLINGTON VILLAGE CONDO ASSOC. | CT1600061 | 66 | GW |
| NATURAL PARK APARTMENTS | CT1600101 | 60 | GW |
How Willington compares
Full Connecticut rankings →Willington's score of 43/100 is on par with the average of 47/100 among major Connecticut cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Connecticut rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Willington's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Tolland
Frequently asked questions
Is Willington, CT tap water safe to drink?
Willington's water quality earned a grade of F (43/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #122 out of 158 cities tested in Connecticut.
What contaminants are in Willington's water?
Lead was measured at 0.6 ppb (90th percentile). 370 violations are on record.
How is Willington'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 Willington?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Willington's water come from?
Willington's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 10 water systems serving approximately 1,822 residents.
What health violations has Willington's water system had?
Willington has 41 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 120 violations remain unresolved.
Is Willington's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Willington 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 370 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 Willington's water compare to other cities?
Willington ranks #122 out of 158 cities in Connecticut (better than 23% of state cities) and #14692 out of 15744 cities nationally (7th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.