Health Violations Found CT 3 HEALTH VIOLATIONS

Putnam Water Pollution Control Authority

EPA ID: CT1160011 · 7,300 people served · 2 ZIP codes

Based on the latest federal compliance data, Putnam Water Pollution Control Authority has 7 violations that the EPA has not yet closed — those outstanding findings are part of the enforcement record for a utility that delivers water to approximately 7,300 people throughout its service territory.

Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-04-02

C · 62
Avg Safety Score
7,300
People Served
2
ZIP Codes Served
12
Violations (5yr)
Surface Water
Water Source
0.0028 mg/L
Max Lead Level
Zone 2
Radon Risk · Moderate
3
Contaminants Flagged

Service Area Map

Coverage area for Putnam Water Pollution Control Authority Source: EPA SDWIS service area boundaries.

Service area boundary — Grade C

Service Area Demographics

$67,353
Median Household Income
9,227
Service Area Population
12%
Disadvantaged Population
40th
Poverty Percentile
80th
Energy Burden Percentile
82%
Pre-1986 Housing

The Putnam Water Pollution Control Authority serves a community with a median household income of $67,353 and an estimated 9,227 residents across its service area. Approximately 82% of housing stock was built before 1986, which increases the likelihood of lead service lines and older plumbing.

🌊 Where Does Your Water Come From?

Surface Water

Putnam Water Pollution Control Authority's water is drawn from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs. Surface water sources are more exposed to agricultural runoff, stormwater, and upstream discharges, but they typically receive more intensive treatment before reaching your tap.

Elevated Risk
Source Contamination Risk
30th
Wastewater Discharge Proximity
60th
Superfund Site Proximity

Superfund Proximity Note: This service area ranks in the 60th percentile nationally for proximity to Superfund (NPL) sites.

Infrastructure Risk

73 yr
Avg Pipe Age
Galvanized Steel or Copper
Pipe Material
0 yr
Est. Remaining Life
Accelerating Decay
Decay Status
Installed 100% of expected lifespan used End of life

Detected Contaminants

How Putnam Water Pollution Control Authority compares to EPA limits

What This Means For You

Stage 2 DBP Rule at 6 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.

Surface Water Treatment Rule at 5 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.

Lead and Copper Rule at 1 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.

PFAS Detected in Service Area

PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in water serving this system's area. 5 detections recorded. 2 exceed federal EPA limits (4 ppt for PFOA/PFOS).

State limits: PFOA: 0.012 ppt, PFOS: 0.016 ppt, PFHxS: 0.018 ppt, PFHpA: 0.018 ppt, PFNA: 0.013 ppt
Health concern: PFAS are linked to cancer, thyroid disease, immune suppression, and developmental effects. They do not break down naturally.
Recommended filter: Reverse osmosis (RO) or activated carbon filters certified for PFAS removal. Find the right filter →

Comparable Water Systems

Similar-sized systems in Connecticut

Aquarion-ridgefield
7,476 people
C 4 violations
C 13 violations
Winsted Water Works
7,784 people
C 0 violations
B 23 violations
D 0 violations

Estimated Remediation Costs

Average estimated costs across ZIP codes served by this system

Flood Insurance Radon Mitigation Water Filtration PFAS Treatment
Flood Insurance $600
Radon Mitigation $400
Water Filtration $300
PFAS Treatment $300
Total Estimated Cost $1,600

Based on national averages for common remediation projects. Actual costs vary by property. Only issues flagged by EPA, FEMA, or state data for each ZIP code are included.

Cost of Inaction

If water quality issues in this service area are not addressed, the estimated financial impact per household is:

Estimated Healthcare Costs $1,000

Annual per household (CDC est.)

PFAS Exposure — Lifetime Cost $1,000

Per person (emerging research est.)

Estimated Cumulative Cost Per Household

5 years
$5,165
10 years
$10,330
20 years
$20,660

Compare: Estimated remediation cost is $1,600 (one-time) vs. $10,330 in estimated inaction costs over 10 years.

Estimates based on published EPA, CDC, and peer-reviewed research. Individual costs vary by household size, property, and health factors. These are conservative lower-bound estimates intended for awareness, not financial advice.

System Overview

Putnam Water Pollution Control Authority (EPA ID: CT1160011) is a community water system in Connecticut that serves approximately 7,300 people from surface water sources.

This system provides water to 2 ZIP codes across 2 communities.

Average Home Safety Score: C (62/100)

Based on water quality violations, lead levels, and radon risk across all ZIP codes served by this system.

Violation History

3 health-based violations recorded in the past 5 years. 7 remain unresolved.

Recent Violations

Date Contaminant Type Status
October 17, 2024 Stage 2 DBP Rule Health-based Unresolved
October 17, 2024 Stage 2 DBP Rule Monitoring Unresolved
August 10, 2024 Surface Water Treatment Rule Monitoring Unresolved

Contaminants Detected

The following contaminants have been flagged in EPA records for this water system:

Contaminant Category Violations Health-Based
Stage 2 DBP Rule Treatment Failure 6 Yes
Surface Water Treatment Rule Treatment Failure 5 No
Lead and Copper Rule Treatment Failure 1 No

Lead & Copper

EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data for ZIP codes served by this system:

ZIP Code Lead Level Exceeds Limit Sample Date
06260 0.0028 mg/L No N/A

Radon Risk in Service Area

Dominant radon zone for ZIP codes served by this system: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)

The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.

Need help with your water quality?

Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400

Find the Right Water Filter

Free tip: Let cold water run for 2 minutes before drinking — this helps flush lead from your pipes.

ZIP Codes Served

Coverage: 1 ZIP code confirmed via EPA Community Water System Service Area Boundaries v3 plus 1 additional ZIP inferred from SDWIS registry data. The EPA-confirmed set is the most reliable; SDWIS-inferred entries may be narrower than the real deployment area.

Data Sources

This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View the full compliance record for Putnam Water Pollution Control Authority (CT1160011) on EPA.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Putnam Water Pollution Control Authority water safe to drink?

Putnam Water Pollution Control Authority has recorded 3 health-based violations in the past 5 years. While the system is required to treat water to meet federal standards, you may want to consider additional precautions such as a certified water filter.

How many people does Putnam Water Pollution Control Authority serve?

Putnam Water Pollution Control Authority serves approximately 7,300 people across 2 ZIP codes in Connecticut.

Where does Putnam Water Pollution Control Authority get its water?

The primary water source is surface water.

Contact Your Water Utility

Public-record contact information for the water utility serving this system. Use these channels to request water quality reports, ask about service, or report issues directly.

Phone
860-963-6819
ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility, does not act as its agent, and does not provide customer support for it. Contact details shown are public-record information from CCR filings. For service issues, contact the utility directly using the information above.

Contact information from Putnam Water Pollution Control Authority Consumer Confidence Report.

ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility, does not act as its agent, and does not provide customer support for it. Contact details shown are public-record information from CCR filings. For service issues, contact the utility directly using the information above.

Federal UCMR5 PFAS Monitoring: Detected

This water system was tested under the federal EPA Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5). PFAS compounds were detected below the current state-enforceable MCL.

Samples collected
232
Detections
9
Latest sample
8/5/2025
Highest analyte
PFOA: 8.5 ppt
Analyte Max detected Current MCL Status
PFOA 8.5 ppt 10 ppt Above 2029 federal MCL
PFOS 7.5 ppt 10 ppt Above 2029 federal MCL
PFHxS 4 ppt 10 ppt Below current MCL
PFBS 3.2 ppt
PFPeA 3.1 ppt

Current MCL reflects the lowest state-enforceable limit (NYS 10 ppt for PFOA/PFOS, effective August 2020). The federal final MCL of 4 ppt for PFOA/PFOS (EPA April 2024 rule) is not enforceable until April 2029. Detections above 4 ppt but below 10 ppt are below current MCL but above the future federal limit.

Source: U.S. EPA UCMR5 (Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, 5th cycle) — per-system federal sampling, 2023–2025. EPA UCMR5 monitoring program →

Understand PFAS health context and filtration →

PFAS Substances Detected in This System

This water system's Consumer Confidence Report disclosed the following PFAS compounds. Levels are from the utility's most recent reporting cycle.

Substance Detected level EPA limit Status
PFOS
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid
EPA-regulated (2024 NPDWR)
7.5 ppt 4 ppt Above EPA limit
PFOA
Perfluorooctanoic acid
EPA-regulated (2024 NPDWR)
6.4 ppt 4 ppt Above EPA limit

In April 2024, EPA finalized the first National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for six PFAS. Public water systems have until 2029 to comply. EPA — PFAS regulation overview →

Source: Consumer Confidence Report disclosed by Putnam Water Pollution Control Authority.

ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility. PFAS detection data is sourced from public Consumer Confidence Reports filed by the utility itself.

Learn more about PFAS health effects and filtration →

Lead service line replacement plan from Putnam Water Pollution Control Authority Consumer Confidence Report:
LSL Replacement project ongoing since 2022; CDM Smith submitted LSL Inventory and Replacement Plan to EPA in October 2024

Lead Service Line Replacement Tracker

This water utility's lead service line (LSL) replacement program is tracked from public Consumer Confidence Report filings. Email signup notifies subscribers when the utility files an updated replacement plan or progress milestone.

Get notified on replacement progress

Subscribers receive an email when this utility updates its LSL plan, files a milestone report, or adjusts replacement timelines. No marketing, no third-party sharing.

By submitting you agree to Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe anytime via the link in any email.

Putnam Water Pollution Control Authority

ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility. LSL replacement-program data is sourced from public CCR filings published by the utility. Subscription notifications are based on automated parsing of subsequent CCR releases.

Learn more about Lead and Copper Rule replacement requirements →

Lead Service Line Inventory

Service line breakdown reported under the federal Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) inventory requirement:

0
Confirmed Lead
176
Galvanized — Replacement Required
90
Unknown Material
2,294
Confirmed Non-Lead

Federal LCRI rule (effective October 2024) requires every public water system to inventory its service lines and complete lead-line replacement within 10 years.

Federal Regulatory Status · 2026Q1
LCRR inventory submission: Reported all required service line types
Latest tap sample on 2025-01-01 did not exceed the federal lead action level.
Population served: 7,300
Reported to Connecticut

Source: EPA SDWIS Federal Service Line Inventory (Phase 2) · Submitted 2026

ZipCheckup is not affiliated with the utility or state agency. Inventory figures render verbatim from the public LCRI submission cited above; ZipCheckup does not perform inspections or replacements.

Learn about lead in drinking water →

Notable events and violations

This section summarizes events the utility chose to disclose in its most recent Consumer Confidence Report, plus any federal compliance violations the utility recorded against itself. Both lists are utility-authored — ZipCheckup does not audit, judge, or reorder them.

Notable events from the utility's CCR

These bullet entries are the utility's own narration of operational, regulatory, or infrastructure events during the reporting period.

Notable events from Putnam Water Pollution Control Authority Consumer Confidence Report:
  • Single lead exceedance at one residence during 2024; repeat sample confirmed compliance. Lead service line replacement project ongoing since 2022.
  • 2024 was poor rainfall year; water ban issued; fell below compliance levels in diversion permits; relied heavily on Park Street Well Field (73% of production).
  • PFAS preliminary tests (2025) showed PFOS 7.5 ppt and PFOA 6.4 ppt (both above EPA MCL of 4.0 ppt) from wellfield plant. System notes possible Teflon tape artifact; repeat sampling planned. Compliance deadline 2029.
  • 2024 production: 343,043,200 gallons total (13% Little River, 73% Park St Wells, 14% CT Water Interconnection).

ZipCheckup note: items above reflect what the utility published in its most recent CCR. Federal violation records are also tracked separately by the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) — the SDWIS record is the authoritative federal source for any specific regulatory action.

How Water Systems Appear in Rankings

Water systems are evaluated by violation history, contaminant detections, and service population. Larger systems with more service connections appear in more rankings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is water from Putnam Water Pollution Control Authority safe to drink?
Putnam Water Pollution Control Authority has a C safety grade based on 12 recorded violations. Some contaminants may exceed EPA limits — independent testing is recommended.
What contaminants are in Putnam Water Pollution Control Authority's water?
Detected contaminants include Stage 2 DBP Rule, Surface Water Treatment Rule, Lead and Copper Rule. Each is compared against EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) in the detailed breakdown above.
Should I use a water filter?
Given 3 contaminants above EPA limits, a certified water filter can provide an extra layer of protection. The best type depends on specific contaminants in your water.
How many people does Putnam Water Pollution Control Authority serve?
Putnam Water Pollution Control Authority serves approximately 7,300 people with drinking water across 2 ZIP codes.
What is Putnam Water Pollution Control Authority's water source?
Putnam Water Pollution Control Authority draws water from surface water sources. Source type affects which contaminants are most likely to be present.
Is there lead in Putnam Water Pollution Control Authority's water?
The maximum detected lead level is 0.0028 mg/L. This is within EPA action level guidelines.
What is the demographic profile of Putnam Water Pollution Control Authority's service area?
The Putnam Water Pollution Control Authority service area has a median household income of $67,353. Demographic data is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau and EPA EJScreen.
Where does Putnam Water Pollution Control Authority get its water?
Putnam Water Pollution Control Authority's water is drawn from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs. Surface water sources are more exposed to agricultural runoff, stormwater, and upstream discharges, but they typically receive more intensive treatment before reaching your tap. Based on violation history and environmental factors, the source contamination risk is currently elevated.

What You Can Do

1

Test your water

Home test kits can detect lead, bacteria, and other contaminants at your tap. Find the right filter →

2

Check your specific ZIP code

Water quality can vary within a system. View nearest ZIP report →

3

Contact your utility

Putnam Water Pollution Control Authority (EPA ID: CT1160011) — request the latest Consumer Confidence Report or ask about specific contaminants.

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