Strontium Contamination

Strontium in Connecticut Drinking Water

Ranked by max strontium detected (µg/L) · UCMR 3 data (2013–2015) · Data from EPA SDWIS & UCMR

Cities Tested

Over HRL

% Over HRL

219.2 µg/L

State Avg

▼ 6% vs national

vs National

105

Health Violations

Analysis

Strontium in Connecticut: what the data shows

Connecticut has 94 cities with strontium data from the EPA's UCMR 3 program (2013–2015). Strontium was detected above the 1,500 µg/L EPA health reference level in 0 of those cities. The state average max detected level is 219.2 µg/L. Strontium occurs naturally in groundwater, particularly in areas with limestone and dolomite geology. It can also enter water from industrial waste and mining operations. There is no federal MCL for strontium, but the EPA established a health reference level (HRL) of 1,500 µg/L. Long-term exposure to strontium above the HRL may affect bone health, particularly in children, by substituting for calcium in developing bones. Reverse osmosis and ion exchange systems are effective at removing strontium from drinking water.

Comparison

Cities exceeding 1,500 µg/L EPA HRL (no MCL)

Connecticut

0 of 94 cities

← ▼ 6% below national rate (better)

National avg

247 of 4292 cities

City Map

Strontium data across Connecticut

Each dot is a city with UCMR 3 strontium testing data. Cities where strontium exceeds the 1,500 µg/L EPA health reference level are highlighted. Size reflects population served.

Worst Offenders

Top 10 cities by strontium level in Connecticut

Highest Strontium levels (µg/L)

All Cities

All Connecticut cities ranked by strontium level

#	City	Level	Over HRL?	Violations	Grade
1	Granby	1400.0 µg/L	No	3	C+
2	East Windsor	685.0 µg/L	No	25	F
3	Enfield	685.0 µg/L	No	9	D
4	Somers	685.0 µg/L	No	6	C+
5	Cheshire	575.0 µg/L	No	28	F
6	Southington	575.0 µg/L	No	12	F
7	Wolcott	575.0 µg/L	No	18	F
8	Hampton	540.0 µg/L	No	1	B
9	Farmington	500.0 µg/L	No	3	D+
10	Plainville	500.0 µg/L	No	4	C
11	Bristol	500.0 µg/L	No	4	C+
12	South Windsor	480.0 µg/L	No	5	C
13	Windsor Locks	480.0 µg/L	No	0	B-
14	Ellington	480.0 µg/L	No	0	B
15	Suffield	480.0 µg/L	No	1	C+
16	Manchester	480.0 µg/L	No	8	C
17	Mansfield	480.0 µg/L	No	85	F
18	Tolland	480.0 µg/L	No	24	F
19	Stafford	480.0 µg/L	No	12	C
20	Meriden	310.0 µg/L	No	4	C+
21	Wallingford	310.0 µg/L	No	4	D
22	Avon	310.0 µg/L	No	3	C+
23	Berlin	310.0 µg/L	No	6	F
24	Mashantucket	270.0 µg/L	No	7	B
25	North Haven	225.0 µg/L	No	0	C-
26	Prospect	220.0 µg/L	No	1	C+
27	Beacon Falls	220.0 µg/L	No	3	C-
28	Waterbury	220.0 µg/L	No	14	C
29	Naugatuck	220.0 µg/L	No	1	A
30	Bozrah	206.0 µg/L	No	13	B
31	Franklin	206.0 µg/L	No	13	B
32	Lisbon	206.0 µg/L	No	27	F
33	Montville	206.0 µg/L	No	143	F
34	Norwich	206.0 µg/L	No	19	B-
35	Preston	206.0 µg/L	No	23	D+
36	Glastonbury	191.0 µg/L	No	4	B+
37	Cromwell	150.0 µg/L	No	1	B
38	New Canaan	140.0 µg/L	No	7	F
39	Westport	140.0 µg/L	No	2	C-
40	Wilton	140.0 µg/L	No	7	D
41	Norwalk	140.0 µg/L	No	7	D
42	East Lyme	131.0 µg/L	No	6	C
43	Clinton	130.0 µg/L	No	4	D+
44	Guilford	130.0 µg/L	No	20	D
45	Madison	130.0 µg/L	No	18	C+
46	Old Saybrook	130.0 µg/L	No	0	B-
47	Westbrook	130.0 µg/L	No	7	C+
48	Seymour	120.0 µg/L	No	2	D+
49	Bridgeport	120.0 µg/L	No	2	C-
50	Darien	120.0 µg/L	No	7	F
51	Fairfield	120.0 µg/L	No	2	C-
52	Redding	120.0 µg/L	No	2	C-
53	Shelton	120.0 µg/L	No	2	C-
54	Stamford	120.0 µg/L	No	4	F
55	Stratford	120.0 µg/L	No	2	C-
56	Newtown	120.0 µg/L	No	46	F
57	Greenwich	120.0 µg/L	No	5	F
58	Ansonia	119.0 µg/L	No	0	B+
59	Bethany	119.0 µg/L	No	4	C-
60	Branford	119.0 µg/L	No	0	A-
61	Derby	119.0 µg/L	No	0	B+
62	East Haven	119.0 µg/L	No	0	A-
63	Hamden	119.0 µg/L	No	0	A-
64	Milford	119.0 µg/L	No	0	B+
65	New Haven	119.0 µg/L	No	0	A-
66	North Branford	119.0 µg/L	No	25	F
67	Orange	119.0 µg/L	No	0	B+
68	West Haven	119.0 µg/L	No	0	B+
69	Woodbridge	119.0 µg/L	No	0	B+
70	Oxford	110.0 µg/L	No	6	B
71	Groton	89.0 µg/L	No	17	F
72	Stonington	89.0 µg/L	No	6	B
73	Ledyard	89.0 µg/L	No	23	D+
74	Middletown	86.9 µg/L	No	11	D
75	Danbury	86.7 µg/L	No	59	F
76	Bethel	86.7 µg/L	No	25	F
77	Brookfield	86.7 µg/L	No	135	F
78	Newington	67.6 µg/L	No	1	D
79	West Hartford	67.6 µg/L	No	0	B+
80	New Britain	67.6 µg/L	No	0	B-
81	Plymouth	63.0 µg/L	No	18	C
82	Deep River	58.0 µg/L	No	5	C
83	Watertown	52.0 µg/L	No	11	D+
84	Uncasville	42.0 µg/L	No	1	A
85	Waterford	39.0 µg/L	No	16	C-
86	New London	39.0 µg/L	No	0	C+
87	East Hartford	22.0 µg/L	No	0	A-
88	Hartford	22.0 µg/L	No	0	A-
89	Rocky Hill	22.0 µg/L	No	1	B
90	Wethersfield	22.0 µg/L	No	0	A-
91	Windsor	22.0 µg/L	No	0	A-
92	Portland	22.0 µg/L	No	9	C
93	Harwinton	16.0 µg/L	No	5	D
94	Torrington	16.0 µg/L	No	3	B+

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about strontium in Connecticut

Is strontium in Connecticut tap water harmful?

Strontium at low levels is not considered harmful, but the EPA set a health reference level (HRL) of 1,500 µg/L based on potential bone effects. No cities in Connecticut exceed the HRL. There is currently no federal MCL for strontium. Children may be more susceptible because strontium can substitute for calcium in developing bones.

How can I remove strontium from my drinking water?

Reverse osmosis and ion exchange (water softener) systems are effective at removing strontium from drinking water. Standard carbon filters are NOT effective. If your water comes from a well in an area with limestone or dolomite geology, consider testing for strontium.

More contaminants