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 consistently meets all federal and state quality standards. The utility faces ongoing challenges with infrastructure modernization, PFAS contamination, and maintaining affordable service while investing in cutting-edge treatment technologies and conservation initiatives to ensure sustainable water supply for future generations.
Bridgeport Water Quality: Current Status (2024-2025)
Latest Testing Results
- Lead and Copper Monitoring: Aquarion Water Company maintains full compliance with EPA regulations for lead and copper in drinking water, with levels consistently below federal action thresholds through regular monitoring programs.
- 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.
- Compliance Status: Bridgeport’s water consistently meets all federal and state drinking water standards, maintaining compliance with EPA and Connecticut Department of Public Health regulations across all eight reservoir systems.
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 23 reservoirs and source protection measures to safeguard water quality across the service area.
Advanced Treatment Technology
- Multiple Treatment Plants: Nine water treatment plants throughout the system utilize multi-barrier approaches including coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection with advanced monitoring systems.
- Distribution Infrastructure: Over 3,000 miles of distribution lines supported by 101 pump stations and 74 water storage tanks, with smart monitoring technology throughout the network.
- PFAS Monitoring: Voluntary PFAS testing program initiated in 2019, with annual testing for 29 different PFAS compounds to prepare for new EPA regulations taking effect in 2027-2029.
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.
- Emergency Preparedness: Recent $1.5 million federal funding received for wastewater treatment facility upgrades, with additional infrastructure projects planned to improve system resilience.
- Rate Management: First-ever water rate decrease announced for 2024-2025, with average single-family homes saving approximately $35 annually due to operational efficiencies.
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. Aquarion’s commitment to water quality includes transparent communication through annual Consumer Confidence Reports and proactive PFAS testing. The utility’s investments in advanced treatment technologies, land conservation, and source water protection demonstrate its dedication to providing safe, reliable drinking water while preparing for future challenges including new federal PFAS regulations and growing metropolitan area demands.
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. Contact Water Quality at 1-800-832-2373 for specific questions or concerns about your water.
Conserve Water
Follow Aquarion’s irrigation schedule and conservation programs. Visit aquarionwater.com/watering for lawn and garden tips, and consider participating in conservation initiatives to help protect water resources.
Consider Home Filtration
While Aquarion’s water meets all safety standards, homes with concerns about emerging contaminants like PFAS may benefit from NSF-certified filters designed for drinking and cooking water.
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 vouchers ranging from $50-$250. Visit aquarionwater.com for eligibility details.
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?
Yes, Bridgeport’s tap water meets all federal and state drinking water standards. Aquarion Water Company sources water from eight protected reservoirs and well fields, all of which undergo comprehensive treatment including filtration and disinfection.
Aquarion conducts extensive testing throughout its nine treatment plants and distribution system serving 373,800 residents. Treatment processes incorporate multiple barriers against contaminants, ensuring safe drinking water. The utility’s commitment to water quality is demonstrated through annual Consumer Confidence Reports, voluntary PFAS testing since 2019, and transparent communication with customers about water quality monitoring and treatment processes.
What about PFAS “forever chemicals” in the water?
Aquarion has been voluntarily testing for PFAS since 2019, with results showing levels below previous health advisory limits. The company conducts annual testing for 29 different PFAS compounds to prepare for new EPA regulations.
New federal PFAS regulations finalized in 2024 will require utilities to monitor for specific PFAS compounds by 2027 and implement treatment solutions by 2029 if levels exceed new limits. Aquarion is proactively preparing for these requirements and investing in treatment technologies. Current testing results and PFAS information 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 full compliance with all federal and state regulations for lead and copper in drinking water:
• System compliance: Regular lead and copper monitoring shows levels consistently below EPA action limits throughout the Greater Bridgeport System
• Corrosion control: Advanced water treatment processes include corrosion inhibitors and pH optimization to prevent leaching of metals from plumbing systems
• Service line information: Customers can use Aquarion’s interactive map or take their service line survey to check the material of their service connection
• Testing resources: Contact Aquarion’s Water Quality Department at 1-800-832-2373 for information about water quality testing
Homes built before 1986 have higher likelihood of containing lead solder or components in internal plumbing, which is why monitoring and testing remain important.
Are there water restrictions in Bridgeport?
Aquarion Water Company implements seasonal irrigation schedules and conservation measures:
Irrigation Schedule:
• Specific communities like East Granby, Granby, and Simsbury have mandatory sprinkler irrigation schedules (maximum two days per week from April to October)
• Schedule helps save millions of gallons annually and has prevented approximately 5 billion gallons of water waste since launch
• Variances available for new plantings or sod installation
Conservation Programs:
• Lawn and garden irrigation tips available at aquarionwater.com/watering
• Educational resources on water-efficient landscaping and reducing outdoor water use
Current conservation measures and specific restrictions are available at aquarionwater.com or by calling 1-800-732-9678.
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
Health Effects: Long-term exposure to elevated levels may increase risk of certain cancers and potentially affect liver, kidney, and central nervous system function
Current Levels: Monitored regularly throughout the Greater Bridgeport System with levels maintained below EPA maximum contaminant levels EPA Limits: 80 ppb for total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and 60 ppb for haloacetic acids (HAA5)
PFAS Compounds
Source: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances originating from industrial processes, firefighting foams, and consumer products that can enter reservoir and well water sources
Health Effects: Research suggests potential concerns including impacts on immune system, thyroid function, cholesterol levels, and possible links to certain cancers and pregnancy complications
Current Status: Aquarion conducts voluntary annual testing for 29 PFAS compounds since 2019; preparing for new EPA regulations requiring monitoring by 2027 and treatment by 2029 EPA Limits: New federal maximum contaminant levels finalized in 2024 for six specific PFAS compounds
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