Water Quality in West Haven, CT: 3 Violations - Grade D
Grade D · Score 51/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-07-18
West Haven's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-07-18
West Haven in CT has 3 EPA water violations documented - the compliance history below covers what was flagged and which local systems are associated with each finding.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in West Haven
West Haven is covered by a single ZIP code, so one water-quality profile applies citywide. See the contaminant data below.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06516 | D | 51 | 3 | 1 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
West Haven, Connecticut receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 51 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 2 water systems serving West Haven have accumulated 3 EPA violations, including 1 health-based violation. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP code serving approximately 55,147 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. West Haven'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 West Haven water systems is 0.0013 mg/L - within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 85% of homes built before 1986, West 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
West 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 West Haven
West Haven is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 55,147 people across 1 ZIP code.
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 2 enforcement actions against water systems serving West Haven. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in West 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
Contaminants Detected in West Haven Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across West Haven's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | Yes |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 2 enforcement actions against water systems serving West Haven. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-01-23 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-05-26 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-01-23.
West Haven vs. Nearby Connecticut Cities
How West Haven's water quality compares to similar cities in Connecticut:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Haven | D | 3 | 2 | 55,147 |
| Fairfield | D | 24 | 2 | 57,860 |
| Stratford | F | 0 | 3 | 52,403 |
| Milford | D | 0 | 2 | 52,340 |
Common Questions About West Haven Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in West Haven, Connecticut:
Is West Haven water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. West Haven's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink West Haven tap water? West Haven's water receives a grade of D (51/100). There are 1 health-based violation - consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for West Haven? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
West Haven vs. Connecticut Average
Understanding how West 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 West Haven.
ZIP Codes in West Haven
West Haven spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 06516. 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.