Water Quality in East Hartford, CT: 120 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 50/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
East Hartford's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Looking at EPA compliance data for East Hartford, CT, the record shows 120 violations — findings that span health-based exceedances, monitoring lapses, and enforcement events tied to local utilities in the SDWIS database.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in East Hartford
Water quality varies across East Hartford's 4 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06118 | C | 60 | 30 | 14 | View report → |
| 06108 | C | 65 | 30 | 14 | View report → |
| 06128 | C | 66 | 30 | 14 | View report → |
| 06138 | C | 66 | 30 | 14 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving East Hartford.
Water Quality Overview
East Hartford, Connecticut receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 50 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving East Hartford have accumulated 120 EPA violations, including 56 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 4 ZIP codes serving approximately 769 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. East Hartford's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across East Hartford water systems is 0.0011 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 87% of homes built before 1986, East Hartford has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
East Hartford is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving East Hartford
East Hartford is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 769 people across 4 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 40 enforcement actions against water systems serving East Hartford. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in East Hartford
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in East Hartford Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across East Hartford's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 32 | 4 | Yes |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 24 | 4 | No |
| Barium | Inorganic | 2 mg/L | 20 | 4 | Yes |
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 12 | 4 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 8 | 4 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 4 | 4 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving East Hartford:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 4 | 4 |
| 2022 | 16 | 16 |
| 2023 | 4 | 4 |
| 2024 | 20 | 20 |
Violations have increased from 4 in 2021 to 20 in 2024. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving East Hartford. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-08-26 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-12-31 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-11-22 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-11-21 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-11-21 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-11-21 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-12-27 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-12-12 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-12-12 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2023-12-07 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-08-26.
East Hartford vs. Nearby Connecticut Cities
How East Hartford's water quality compares to similar cities in Connecticut:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Hartford | D | 120 | 5 | 769 |
| South Britain | D | 0 | 1 | 816 |
| Stonington | C | 1 | 2 | 837 |
| Mansfield Depot | C | 0 | 1 | 700 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in East Hartford
Water quality varies across East Hartford's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06118 | 60 | C | 30 | 14 |
| 06108 | 65 | C | 30 | 14 |
| 06128 | 66 | C | 30 | 14 |
| 06138 | 66 | C | 30 | 14 |
Common Questions About East Hartford Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in East Hartford, Connecticut:
Is East Hartford water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. East Hartford's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink East Hartford tap water? East Hartford's water receives a grade of D (50/100). There are 56 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for East Hartford? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
East Hartford vs. Connecticut Average
Understanding how East Hartford compares to the broader Connecticut average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within East Hartford.
ZIP Codes in East Hartford
East Hartford spans 4 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 06108. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.