Water Quality in New Haven, CT: No Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 67/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
New Haven's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Across all available EPA tracking data for New Haven, CT, the record has remained clean — 1 public water system on file, zero violations recorded, and no enforcement proceedings initiated at any point in the federal dataset.
Water Quality Map: New Haven, CT
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in New Haven
Water quality varies across New Haven's 26 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06513 | C | 60 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 06515 | C | 60 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 06511 | C | 65 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 06519 | C | 65 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 06502 | C | 66 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 06504 | C | 66 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 06508 | C | 66 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 06509 | C | 66 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 06520 | C | 66 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 06521 | C | 66 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 06530 | C | 66 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 06532 | C | 66 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 06533 | C | 66 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 06534 | C | 66 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 06535 | C | 66 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
New Haven, Connecticut receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 67 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
No EPA violations have been recorded for the 1 water system serving New Haven. This is a positive indicator, though it does not guarantee the absence of all contaminants — some substances (like PFAS) are not yet fully regulated.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. New Haven's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across New Haven water systems is 0.0010 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 78% of homes built before 1986, New Haven 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
New Haven is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving New Haven
New Haven is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 418,900 people across 26 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 26 enforcement actions against water systems serving New Haven. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in New Haven
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
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 1 enforcement action against water systems serving New Haven. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2021-05-26 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2021-05-26.
New Haven vs. Nearby Connecticut Cities
How New Haven's water quality compares to similar cities in Connecticut:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Haven | C | 0 | 1 | 418,900 |
| East Haven | F | 0 | 1 | 418,900 |
| Woodbridge | D | 0 | 1 | 418,900 |
| West Hartford | C | 0 | 2 | 391,114 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in New Haven
Water quality varies across New Haven's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06513 | 60 | C | 0 | 0 |
| 06515 | 60 | C | 0 | 0 |
| 06511 | 65 | C | 0 | 0 |
| 06519 | 65 | C | 0 | 0 |
| 06502 | 66 | C | 0 | 0 |
| 06504 | 66 | C | 0 | 0 |
| 06508 | 66 | C | 0 | 0 |
| 06509 | 66 | C | 0 | 0 |
| 06520 | 66 | C | 0 | 0 |
| 06521 | 66 | C | 0 | 0 |
| 06540 | 70 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 06531 | 70 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 06510 | 70 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 06507 | 70 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 06506 | 70 | B | 0 | 0 |
Common Questions About New Haven Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in New Haven, Connecticut:
Is New Haven water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. New Haven's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink New Haven tap water? New Haven's water receives a grade of C (67/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for New Haven? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
New Haven vs. Connecticut Average
Understanding how New Haven 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 New Haven.
ZIP Codes in New Haven
New Haven spans 26 ZIP codes. 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.