WaterVerge

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 ↓

2K residents served 10 water systems PWSID: CT1600031
Overall Score
43 / 100
Violations
120 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#122 of 158 in Connecticut Top 93% nationally
Private
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
FGRADE
Water Quality Grade
43/100
waterverge.com
F 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.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

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.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
43 out of 100 Grade F
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
0/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
16/20
B
Lead at 0.6 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Willington, CT water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

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).

120
Active Violations
0.6 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)

Recent water quality updates for Willington

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Willington's water quality assessment. Grade: F (43/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: TTHM.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Willington's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.6 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 1.92 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

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.

TTMRRPTMONOtherMCL
Most recent violations:
Nov 2025 Revised Total Coliform Rule Open
Jan 2025 TTHM Resolved
Dec 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Oct 2024 LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS Open
Oct 2024 LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS Open

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

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Willington's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.6 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 4% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
1.92 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +20% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Compliance Record

Violation summary

370
Total violations
41
Health-based
120
Active / unresolved
Nov 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

370 Total
120 Active
41 Health-based
250 Resolved
8 SNC
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
61
Consumer Confidence Rule
51
Lead and Copper Rule
42
Volatile Organic Chemicals
38
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
36
Nov 2025 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Dec 2024 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Jul 2024 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2023 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Sep 2023 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Aug 2022 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Showing 20 of 370 violations

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Willington's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.6 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 1.92 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 14.8 ppb from 1996 (18.0 ppb) to 2025 (3.2 ppb).

Copper level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
Copper has increased by 0.020 mg/L from 2008 (1.900 mg/L) to 2009 (1.920 mg/L).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Private
Population Served
1,822
Water Systems
10
Source breakdown
Groundwater
9
Purchased Groundwater
1
Water Source

Where Willington's water comes from

Groundwater

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.

Local Hydrology

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.

Willimantic River
river
Mount Hope River
river
Fenton River
river
Infrastructure

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
Regional Comparison

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.

Willington (this city)
43
Ansonia
49.4
Ansonia
33.5
Ansonia
34.5
Berlin
41
Connecticut avg
47
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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.