New Haven, CT: High Radon Risk — 67/100 (2026)
26 ZIP codes · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Compared to top-scoring cities in CT, New Haven lands in the middle tier — some water systems meet standards cleanly, others carry documented violations, and performance can vary significantly across service areas.
How New Haven Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Water Quality Map: New Haven, CT
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Score Distribution
Distribution of water safety grades across New Haven.
New Haven Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.001 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $2,427 per household.
Water Systems Serving New Haven
Supply infrastructure in New Haven, CT runs through a single dominant provider — the main entity among 1 tracked system through which rate decisions, infrastructure work, and federal compliance are managed.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 26 ZIP codes in New Haven, Connecticut (population ~131,106), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 418,900 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in New Haven — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for New Haven: C (67/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
New Haven water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0010 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 26 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06501 | B | Regional Water Authority | 418,900 |
| 06502 | C | Regional Water Authority | 418,900 |
| 06503 | B | Regional Water Authority | 418,900 |
| 06504 | C | Regional Water Authority | 418,900 |
| 06505 | B | Regional Water Authority | 418,900 |
| 06506 | B | Regional Water Authority | 418,900 |
| 06507 | B | Regional Water Authority | 418,900 |
| 06508 | C | Regional Water Authority | 418,900 |
| 06509 | C | Regional Water Authority | 418,900 |
| 06510 | B | Regional Water Authority | 418,900 |
All ZIP Codes in New Haven
- 06501 [B]
- 06502 [C]
- 06503 [B]
- 06504 [C]
- 06505 [B]
- 06506 [B]
- 06507 [B]
- 06508 [C]
- 06509 [C]
- 06510 [B]
- 06511 [C]
- 06513 [C]
- 06515 [C]
- 06519 [C]
- 06520 [C]
- 06521 [C]
- 06530 [C]
- 06531 [B]
- 06532 [C]
- 06533 [C]
- 06534 [C]
- 06535 [C]
- 06536 [C]
- 06537 [C]
- 06538 [C]
- 06540 [B]
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
Updated daily.
New Haven: Remediation Cost in Perspective
At current valuations, New Haven sits in the low remediation-share tier — the equity impact of fixing documented issues is proportionally minor.
Remediation costs in New Haven are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,623–$3,242 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 30% below the Connecticut average.
Protecting Children from Lead in New Haven
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Lead risk in New Haven appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for New Haven
How does New Haven's flood record connect to local water quality? The NFIP documents 235 claims — enough to signal recurring events — and 42% of ZIP codes carry FEMA flood zone status. That combination places flooding in the category of factors that can periodically affect water infrastructure, even if the area isn't among the highest-exposure communities in the NFIP dataset.
New Haven has a moderate flood history with 235 FEMA claims averaging $13,229 per payout. 42% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$2,427</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in New Haven
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for New Haven, CT