Strontium Contamination

Strontium in Connecticut Drinking Water

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

113

Cities Tested

Over HRL

% Over HRL

227.0 µg/L

State Avg

▼ 6% vs national

vs National

134

Health Violations

Analysis

Strontium in Connecticut: what the data shows

Connecticut has 113 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 227.0 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 113 cities

← ▼ 6% below national rate (better)

National avg

250 of 4371 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	Berlin	1400.0 µg/L	No	40	F
2	East Granby	1400.0 µg/L	No	9	F
3	East Granby	1400.0 µg/L	No	3	C+
4	East Granby	685.0 µg/L	No	9	D
5	East Granby	685.0 µg/L	No	25	F
6	East Windsor	685.0 µg/L	No	6	C+
7	Ansonia	575.0 µg/L	No	12	F
8	Ansonia	575.0 µg/L	No	18	F
9	Ansonia	575.0 µg/L	No	28	F
10	Hampton	540.0 µg/L	No	12	B-
11	Hampton	540.0 µg/L	No	1	B
12	Berlin	500.0 µg/L	No	3	D+
13	Berlin	500.0 µg/L	No	4	C
14	Bristol	500.0 µg/L	No	4	C+
15	Berlin	480.0 µg/L	No	5	C
16	Berlin	480.0 µg/L	No	8	C
17	Berlin	480.0 µg/L	No	0	B-
18	East Granby	480.0 µg/L	No	5	C-
19	East Granby	480.0 µg/L	No	85	F
20	East Granby	480.0 µg/L	No	24	F
21	East Granby	480.0 µg/L	No	12	C-
22	East Granby	480.0 µg/L	No	1	C+
23	East Granby	480.0 µg/L	No	0	B
24	Berlin	310.0 µg/L	No	6	F
25	Ansonia	310.0 µg/L	No	4	D
26	Ansonia	310.0 µg/L	No	4	C+
27	Plainville	310.0 µg/L	No	3	C+
28	Mashantucket	270.0 µg/L	No	7	B
29	Ansonia	225.0 µg/L	No	0	C-
30	Ansonia	220.0 µg/L	No	1	C+
31	Beacon Falls	220.0 µg/L	No	3	C-
32	Middlebury	220.0 µg/L	No	14	C
33	Beacon Falls	220.0 µg/L	No	1	A
34	Franklin	206.0 µg/L	No	143	F
35	Franklin	206.0 µg/L	No	27	F
36	Franklin	206.0 µg/L	No	32	F
37	Franklin	206.0 µg/L	No	19	B-
38	Franklin	206.0 µg/L	No	23	D+
39	Franklin	206.0 µg/L	No	13	B
40	Franklin	206.0 µg/L	No	13	B
41	Berlin	191.0 µg/L	No	4	B+
42	Berlin	150.0 µg/L	No	1	B-
43	Beacon Falls	140.0 µg/L	No	7	D
44	Beacon Falls	140.0 µg/L	No	7	D
45	Beacon Falls	140.0 µg/L	No	7	D
46	Beacon Falls	140.0 µg/L	No	2	C-
47	East Lyme	131.0 µg/L	No	6	C
48	Clinton	130.0 µg/L	No	18	C+
49	Clinton	130.0 µg/L	No	20	D
50	Clinton	130.0 µg/L	No	4	D+
51	Clinton	130.0 µg/L	No	7	C+
52	Clinton	130.0 µg/L	No	0	B-
53	Ansonia	120.0 µg/L	No	2	D
54	Beacon Falls	120.0 µg/L	No	4	F
55	Beacon Falls	120.0 µg/L	No	7	F
56	Beacon Falls	120.0 µg/L	No	5	F
57	Beacon Falls	120.0 µg/L	No	27	F
58	Beacon Falls	120.0 µg/L	No	46	F
59	Beacon Falls	120.0 µg/L	No	7	F
60	Beacon Falls	120.0 µg/L	No	2	F
61	Beacon Falls	120.0 µg/L	No	2	F
62	Beacon Falls	120.0 µg/L	No	2	F
63	Beacon Falls	120.0 µg/L	No	2	C-
64	Beacon Falls	120.0 µg/L	No	2	C-
65	Beacon Falls	120.0 µg/L	No	2	C-
66	Beacon Falls	120.0 µg/L	No	2	C-
67	Beacon Falls	120.0 µg/L	No	2	C-
68	Ansonia	119.0 µg/L	No	4	D+
69	Ansonia	119.0 µg/L	No	0	B+
70	Ansonia	119.0 µg/L	No	0	B+
71	Ansonia	119.0 µg/L	No	0	B+
72	Ansonia	119.0 µg/L	No	0	B+
73	Ansonia	119.0 µg/L	No	25	F
74	Ansonia	119.0 µg/L	No	0	B+
75	Ansonia	119.0 µg/L	No	0	B+
76	Ansonia	119.0 µg/L	No	0	B+
77	Ansonia	119.0 µg/L	No	0	B+
78	Ansonia	119.0 µg/L	No	0	B+
79	Ansonia	119.0 µg/L	No	0	B+
80	Ansonia	110.0 µg/L	No	6	B-
81	Groton	89.0 µg/L	No	23	D+
82	Groton	89.0 µg/L	No	17	F
83	Groton	89.0 µg/L	No	6	B-
84	Cromwell	86.9 µg/L	No	11	D
85	Cromwell	86.9 µg/L	No	25	F
86	Bethel	86.7 µg/L	No	135	F
87	Bethel	86.7 µg/L	No	59	F
88	Bethel	86.7 µg/L	No	25	F
89	Berlin	67.6 µg/L	No	1	D
90	Berlin	67.6 µg/L	No	0	B+
91	Berlin	67.6 µg/L	No	0	B-
92	Bristol	63.0 µg/L	No	18	C
93	Bristol	63.0 µg/L	No	9	C
94	Chester	58.0 µg/L	No	10	D
95	Chester	58.0 µg/L	No	12	B-
96	Chester	58.0 µg/L	No	5	C
97	Windham	55.0 µg/L	No	11	B+
98	Middlebury	52.0 µg/L	No	11	D+
99	Middlebury	44.2 µg/L	No	18	C-
100	Uncasville	42.0 µg/L	No	1	A
101	New London	39.0 µg/L	No	16	C-
102	New London	39.0 µg/L	No	0	C+
103	Berlin	22.0 µg/L	No	9	C
104	Berlin	22.0 µg/L	No	33	F
105	Berlin	22.0 µg/L	No	1	B
106	Berlin	22.0 µg/L	No	0	A-
107	Berlin	22.0 µg/L	No	0	A-
108	Berlin	22.0 µg/L	No	0	A-
109	Berlin	22.0 µg/L	No	0	A-
110	Harwinton	16.0 µg/L	No	8	F
111	Harwinton	16.0 µg/L	No	19	F
112	Harwinton	16.0 µg/L	No	3	B+
113	Harwinton	16.0 µg/L	No	5	D

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.

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