Bridgeport Water Quality at a Glance
significant concerns
Is Bridgeport Water Safe to Drink?
Generally Yes, With Caution – Bridgeport’s water meets federal standards but has significant concerns with disinfection byproducts including trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids at levels far exceeding health guidelines. PFAS “forever chemicals” are also present, and chromium-6 has been detected. Aquarion Water Company serves the area with reservoir-sourced water.
⚠️ Key Concerns for Bridgeport Residents
- Disinfection Byproducts: Total trihalomethanes at 349x above health guidelines, haloacetic acids at 968x above safe levels
- PFAS “Forever Chemicals”: PFOA detected at 18x health guidelines, PFOS at 3x health guidelines
- Chromium-6: Cancer-causing hexavalent chromium detected at 2.5x health guidelines
- Connecticut Statewide Issue: 39 public water systems across CT have tested positive for PFAS contamination
Read the full report below for detailed analysis, city-specific data, and actionable recommendations for Bridgeport residents.
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Bridgeport – Connecticut – Water Quality Report 2025: PFAS Testing, Infrastructure Concerns & Safety across your city
Aquarion Water Company provides comprehensive water services to approximately 373,800 residents across the greater Bridgeport metropolitan area, including the neighboring communities of Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Newtown, Norwalk, Redding, Shelton, Stratford, Trumbull, Westport, Weston and Wilton. Established in 1857 as one of the nation’s oldest water utilities, the system encompasses over 3,000 miles of water distribution lines, numerous reservoirs and pumping stations, and advanced treatment facilities that deliver an average of 44 million gallons of drinking water daily to Connecticut’s largest city and surrounding Fairfield County areas.
Bridgeport sources its drinking water primarily from a system of eight surface water reservoirs (Aspetuck, Easton Lake, Far Mill, Hemlocks, Means Brook, Saugatuck, Trap Falls and West Pequonnock) located throughout the region, with additional supply from the Westport and Coleytown well fields. These diverse sources provide more than 95% of the water supply, with advanced treatment plants ensuring water meets federal and state quality standards. However, recent testing reveals significant concerns with disinfection byproducts including trihalomethanes at 349 times above health guidelines and haloacetic acids at 968 times above safe levels, plus detection of PFAS “forever chemicals” including PFOA at 18 times health guidelines and chromium-6 at 2.5 times health guidelines, highlighting the need for enhanced treatment technologies and ongoing monitoring.
Bridgeport Water Quality: Current Status (2024-2025)
Latest Testing Results
- Federal Compliance Status: Aquarion Water Company maintains compliance with EPA and Connecticut drinking water standards, though third-party testing shows significant exceedances of health guidelines for multiple contaminants including disinfection byproducts and PFAS compounds.
- Testing Scope: Aquarion conducts extensive water quality testing across the Greater Bridgeport System, including comprehensive monitoring at treatment facilities and throughout the distribution network serving 373,800 residents.
- Water Quality Concerns: Recent Environmental Working Group data shows Bridgeport’s water contains 14 contaminants exceeding health guidelines, including total trihalomethanes at 349 times above safe levels and haloacetic acids at 968 times above health guidelines.
Water Sources
- Eight Reservoir System: Primary supply from Aspetuck, Easton Lake, Far Mill, Hemlocks, Means Brook, Saugatuck, Trap Falls and West Pequonnock reservoirs, providing more than 95% of the 44 million gallons produced daily.
- Well Field Sources: Secondary supply from Aquarion’s Westport and Coleytown well fields, providing additional supply security and system redundancy during drought or emergency conditions.
- Watershed Protection: Comprehensive land conservation and watershed management program including multiple reservoirs and source protection measures to safeguard water quality across the service area.
Advanced Treatment Technology
- Treatment Infrastructure: Multiple water treatment plants throughout the system utilize multi-barrier approaches including coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection with monitoring systems throughout the network.
- Distribution Infrastructure: Over 3,000 miles of distribution lines supported by numerous pump stations and water storage tanks, with monitoring technology throughout the network.
- PFAS Monitoring: Voluntary PFAS testing program shows detection of multiple forever chemicals including PFOA at 1.66 ppt and PFOS at 0.893 ppt, with new EPA regulations requiring treatment by 2029 for levels above 4 ppt.
Infrastructure Modernization
- System Improvements: Ongoing infrastructure investments focusing on treatment plant upgrades, distribution system improvements, and smart water management technologies to enhance reliability and efficiency.
- Wastewater Infrastructure: Bridgeport Water Pollution Control Authority received $1.5 million federal funding in 2024 for wastewater treatment facility upgrades, with construction beginning in 2025 to address aging infrastructure.
- Rate Management: Bridgeport achieved first-ever water rate decrease for 2024-2025, with average single-family homes saving approximately $35 annually due to operational efficiencies under new third-party operator Inframark.
Customer Protection Initiatives
Aquarion Water Company provides extensive customer support through various programs, including the Low Income Rate Assistance Program (LIRAP) offering 15% bill discounts for eligible Connecticut residents and flexible payment plans for managing past-due balances. Educational outreach helps residents understand water quality, conservation practices, and emerging contaminant issues like PFAS. While Aquarion’s water meets federal standards, independent testing reveals significant concerns with disinfection byproducts and PFAS detection that exceed health-based guidelines. The utility is preparing for new federal PFAS regulations taking effect 2027-2029 and investing in treatment technologies to address these emerging contaminant challenges while maintaining safe, reliable drinking water service.
Recommendations for Bridgeport Residents
Monitor Water Quality
Stay informed about your water quality by reviewing Aquarion’s annual Consumer Confidence Reports available at aquarionwater.com/wqr. Given the detection of contaminants above health guidelines, consider independent water testing and contact Water Quality at 1-800-832-2373 for specific questions.
Conserve Water
Follow Aquarion’s irrigation schedule and conservation programs. Visit aquarionwater.com for lawn and garden tips, and consider participating in conservation initiatives to help protect water resources and reduce demand on treatment systems.
Consider Home Filtration
Given the detection of disinfection byproducts and PFAS at levels above health guidelines, homes may benefit from NSF-certified activated carbon or reverse osmosis filters designed for drinking and cooking water to reduce these contaminants.
Apply for Bill Assistance
Take advantage of Aquarion’s Low Income Rate Assistance Program (LIRAP) for a 15% bill discount, or apply for flexible payment plans and emergency assistance programs. Visit aquarionwater.com for eligibility details and application information.
Report Issues
Contact Aquarion Customer Service at 1-800-732-9678 (available 24/7) for water emergencies, quality concerns, or service issues. Report leaks promptly to help conserve water and maintain system integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bridgeport’s tap water safe to drink?
Bridgeport’s tap water meets federal and state drinking water standards, but independent testing reveals significant concerns. While Aquarion Water Company sources water from eight protected reservoirs and well fields with comprehensive treatment, recent data shows multiple contaminants exceeding health-based guidelines.
Environmental Working Group testing found 14 contaminants above health guidelines, including total trihalomethanes at 349 times safe levels and haloacetic acids at 968 times health guidelines. While legally compliant, residents may want to consider additional filtration for drinking and cooking water given these elevated contaminant levels.
What about PFAS “forever chemicals” in the water?
PFAS have been detected in Bridgeport’s water supply. Testing shows PFOA at 1.66 ppt (18 times above health guidelines) and PFOS at 0.893 ppt (3 times above health guidelines). Aquarion has been voluntarily testing for PFAS since 2019.
New federal PFAS regulations finalized in 2024 establish legal limits of 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS, requiring utilities to monitor by 2027 and implement treatment by 2029 if levels exceed limits. Current Bridgeport levels are below these new federal limits but above health-based guidelines. Results are available in annual Consumer Confidence Reports and through the Water Quality Department at 1-800-832-2373.
Does Bridgeport have lead in its water system?
Aquarion Water Company maintains compliance with federal and state regulations for lead and copper in drinking water:
• System compliance: Regular lead and copper monitoring shows levels below EPA action limits throughout the Greater Bridgeport System
• Corrosion control: Water treatment includes corrosion inhibitors and pH optimization to prevent leaching of metals from plumbing systems
• Service line information: Customers can use Aquarion’s interactive map or service line survey to check their service connection material
• Testing resources: Contact Aquarion’s Water Quality Department at 1-800-832-2373 for water quality testing information
Homes built before 1986 have higher likelihood of containing lead components in internal plumbing, making monitoring and testing important for older properties.
Are there water restrictions in Bridgeport?
Aquarion Water Company implements seasonal conservation measures and irrigation schedules throughout their service territory:
Irrigation Guidelines:
• Specific communities in Aquarion’s service area have mandatory sprinkler irrigation schedules during peak season (typically May through September)
• Conservation programs help reduce demand and protect water resources during summer months
• Exemptions available for new plantings or sod installation with proper notification
Conservation Resources:
• Water-efficient landscaping tips available at aquarionwater.com
• Educational resources on reducing outdoor water use and protecting watershed sources
Current conservation measures and specific restrictions are available at aquarionwater.com or by calling 1-800-732-9678.
Quality News About Your Water
Get the comprehensive water quality news coverage you need with our dedicated US Water News Service. From coast to coast, we deliver in-depth reporting and expert analysis on PFAS contamination, EPA regulatory changes, infrastructure developments, and emerging water safety issues affecting communities nationwide. While mainstream media only covers the biggest stories, we provide the detailed, ongoing coverage that helps you understand the full scope of America’s water challenges. Whether you’re a concerned citizen, water professional, or community leader, our daily updates and analytical insights keep you informed about the issues that matter most to public health and environmental safety.
Contaminants of Concern
Disinfection Byproducts
Source: Formed when disinfectants such as chlorine react with naturally occurring organic matter in source water from the eight reservoir system; levels can vary seasonally and are a significant concern in Bridgeport’s system
Health Effects: Long-term exposure to elevated levels may increase risk of cancer, liver and kidney damage, and reproductive issues; some compounds also linked to problems during pregnancy
Current Levels: Testing shows total trihalomethanes at 52.4 ppb (349x above health guidelines) and haloacetic acids (HAA9) at 58.1 ppb (968x above health guidelines) EPA Limits: 80 ppb for total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and 60 ppb for haloacetic acids (HAA5) – Bridgeport is below legal limits but far above health-based guidelines
PFAS Compounds
Source: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances originating from industrial processes, firefighting foams, and consumer products that can enter reservoir and well water sources throughout Connecticut
Health Effects: Research links PFAS exposure to immune system impacts, thyroid dysfunction, elevated cholesterol, certain cancers, pregnancy complications, and liver damage; effects may be more pronounced in children
Current Status: Bridgeport’s system shows PFOA at 1.66 ppt (18x above health guidelines) and PFOS at 0.893 ppt (3x above health guidelines). Additional PFAS compounds detected include PFBA, PFHxA, and other forever chemicals EPA Limits: New federal maximum contaminant levels of 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS take effect 2027-2029 – Bridgeport levels are currently below these limits but above health guidelines
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