Portland, CT: 1 Health Violation — 56/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
For most households in Portland, CT tap water is adequate — the middle-tier grade reflects gaps in specific service areas.
How Portland Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Portland Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 6 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.002 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 75% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $3,800 per household.
Portland's Water Providers
Federal records list 4 water systems tied to Portland, CT. Of those, 3 are the primary providers, meaning service conditions, rate structures, and compliance histories can differ depending on where a property sits.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Portland, Connecticut, covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 9,421 people.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 1 health-based violation documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Portland: C (56/100)
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
Portland water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0020 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)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 4 | 1 |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 4 | 1 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 4 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06480 | C | 6 | 1 | Portland Water Department |
All ZIP Codes in Portland
- 06480 [C] — 6 violations ⚠
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.
What's in Portland's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Portland Infrastructure Age
With 75% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Pre-1986 plumbing is not a rare legacy case in Portland — it's the dominant profile. The median build year of 1951 indicates a housing stock where lead-soldered copper joints are a common structural feature of residences across the city.
Over half of homes in Portland were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Portland
Within the Portland property market, documented remediation claims a moderate slice of typical equity — real but budgetable.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Portland. The estimated $2,450–$5,400 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 25% below the Connecticut average.
Portland: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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.
Despite citywide averages serving as the standard public reference point, those aggregates cannot resolve what is happening at one specific faucet — and where 75% of Portland homes come from before the solder rule or where utility samples sit at or above the action mark, the gap between system data and faucet reality matters more than it does in lower-exposure communities. An in-home draw closes that gap, with certified filtration through retailer networks available where confirmed faucet results warrant additional measures.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Portland: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Across the NFIP's long tracking period, Portland shows 56 claims and 100% of ZIP codes within FEMA-designated flood zones — figures that place it in moderate flood exposure territory. At this level, the water-quality implications of flooding — contaminated wells, stressed treatment intake, distribution backflow — move from theoretical edge cases to genuine periodic risks, particularly during higher-severity events.
Portland has a moderate flood history with 56 FEMA claims averaging $23,053 per payout. 100% 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>$3,800</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 Portland
- 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. Filters rated for Stage 1 DBP Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Portland's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 75% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Portland, CT