Statewide Compliance and Testing

• Overall Compliance: Over 97% of Connecticut’s population is served drinking water that meets all applicable federal and state health standards, well above the national target of 92%, with the state’s 2,500+ public water systems maintaining strong compliance rates.
• PFAS Monitoring: Connecticut has implemented comprehensive PFAS testing across all major water systems, with utilities like the MDC reporting no detection of the six EPA-regulated PFAS compounds in their 2023 testing, while some systems may require treatment upgrades by 2029.
• Infrastructure Investment: Over $61 million in federal funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has been allocated to Connecticut for water infrastructure improvements, including $7.6 million specifically for emerging contaminants and substantial funding for disadvantaged communities.

Major Water Sources and Challenges

• Metropolitan District Commission: Serves 400,000 residents with 44.1 million gallons daily from the Barkhamsted and Nepaug Reservoirs, with comprehensive testing revealing no PFAS contamination in their supply systems.
• Connecticut River Watershed: Primary source for multiple communities throughout the state, with ongoing monitoring for PFAS and other contaminants, though drinking water sources remain unaffected by reported surface water contamination incidents.
• Aging Infrastructure Modernization: Connecticut Water and other utilities are actively replacing aging water mains, with Connecticut Water replacing nearly 18 miles of pipe in 2024 alone through their infrastructure renewal programs.

Emerging Contaminant Response

• PFAS Regulation Implementation: New EPA drinking water standards for PFOA and PFOS (4 parts per trillion) take effect in 2029, with Connecticut utilities proactively testing and planning infrastructure investments to ensure compliance.
• Proactive Treatment Planning: Major utilities including Aquarion, Connecticut Water, and MDC are implementing advanced treatment technologies and seeking federal funding to address any PFAS detections above new regulatory limits.
• State Legislative Action: Connecticut enacted Public Act No. 24-59 in 2024, banning PFAS in various consumer products and firefighting equipment, with comprehensive restrictions taking effect through 2028 to prevent future contamination.

Advanced Water Management

• State Water Plan Implementation: Connecticut adopted a comprehensive State Water Plan in 2019, establishing integrated water resource management practices to protect and restore water quality through science-based prioritization and partnership approaches.
• Comprehensive Testing Programs: The MDC’s state-licensed laboratory conducts over 140,000 physical, chemical, and bacteriological tests annually, searching for more than 130 potential contaminants across reservoirs, treatment plants, and distribution systems.
• Watershed Protection: Utilities are acquiring additional watershed land for protection, with Connecticut Water purchasing over 125 acres in 2024 and transferring 82 acres to conservation organizations to ensure long-term source water protection.

Looking Forward: 2025-2030

Connecticut’s water quality landscape is characterized by strong regulatory oversight, proactive utility management, and substantial federal investment support as the state prepares for new PFAS regulations taking effect in 2029. The state’s high compliance rates, combined with comprehensive monitoring programs and strategic infrastructure investments, position Connecticut as a leader in water quality management. However, continued success will require ongoing collaboration between state agencies, water utilities, and communities to address aging infrastructure challenges, emerging contaminants, and climate resilience while maintaining the state’s excellent track record of providing safe, reliable drinking water to over 97% of its population.