June 14, 2026

New Haven, CT Water Quality Report 2026

By PureWaterGuys

EPA compliance testing (2012–2019) detected 11 regulated contaminants in this water system, including 1 that averaged above a federal limit: Lead, Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), Haloacetic acids (HAA5) + 8 more.

Unlock the full breakdown — detected levels vs. legal limits, plus what removes each one.

Full contaminant breakdown

EPA Six-Year Review compliance monitoring, 2012–2019 — the most recent national compliance dataset EPA has published. See the sections above for more recent violation and PFAS records.

ContaminantAvg. detectedHighest sampleFederal limitAvg. vs. limit
LeadEPA health goal: zero 19.8 ppb 656 ppb 15 ppb (action level) 132% — above
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) 49 ppb 123 ppb 80 ppb 61%
Haloacetic acids (HAA5) 35.5 ppb 72.9 ppb 60 ppb 59%
Radium (combined)EPA health goal: zero 1.54 pCi/L 1.55 pCi/L 5 pCi/L 31%
Nitrite 286 ppb 448 ppb 1000 ppb 29%
Nitrate + nitrite 1310 ppb 10300 ppb 10000 ppb 13%
Nitrate 1190 ppb 3720 ppb 10000 ppb 12%
Fluoride 368 ppb 2320 ppb 4000 ppb 9%
Copper 69.4 ppb 1550 ppb 1300 ppb (action level) 5%
Barium 83.7 ppb 301 ppb 2000 ppb 4%
Chromium (total) 1.09 ppb 2 ppb 100 ppb 1%

Also tested, no detections: 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, 1,1-Dichloroethylene, 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, 1,2-Dichloroethane, 1,2-Dichloropropane, 2,4,5-TP (Silvex), 2,4-D, Alachlor, Antimony, Arsenic, Atrazine, Benzene, Benzo(a)pyrene, Beryllium, Bromate, Cadmium, Carbofuran, Carbon tetrachloride, Chlordane, Chlorobenzene, Cyanide, DBCP, DEHA (adipate), DEHP (phthalate), Dalapon, Dichloromethane, Dinoseb, Diquat, Endrin, Ethylbenzene, Ethylene dibromide (EDB), Glyphosate, Gross alpha radioactivity, Heptachlor, Heptachlor epoxide, Hexachlorobenzene, Hexachlorocyclopentadiene, Lindane, Mercury (inorganic), Methoxychlor, Oxamyl, PCBs, Pentachlorophenol, Picloram, Selenium, Simazine, Styrene, Tetrachloroethylene (PCE), Thallium, Toluene, Toxaphene, Trichloroethylene (TCE), Uranium, Vinyl chloride, cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene, o-Dichlorobenzene, p-Dichlorobenzene, trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene.

Reverse osmosis (drinking water)

The treatment category most often matched to dissolved contaminants like lead, arsenic, nitrate, fluoride, and radiological contaminants detected in this system.

Shop reverse osmosis →

Whole-house carbon filtration

The treatment category most often matched to disinfection byproducts (TTHMs, haloacetic acids), chlorine taste and odor, and organic compounds detected in this system.

Shop whole-house systems →

Source: U.S. EPA Six-Year Review 4 compliance monitoring data (2012–2019), the most recent nationwide compliance dataset EPA has released, reported at the water-system level. A detection is not a violation. “Avg. vs. limit” compares the average of laboratory detections to the federal MCL or action level; individual faucets can differ — household plumbing affects lead and copper, and a state-certified laboratory test of your own tap is the only way to confirm levels in your home. Treatment categories are general matches, not a certification claim for a specific product and contaminant.

Water Utility: Regional Water Authority
Population Served: 418,900 residents
Data Sources: EPA SDWIS + EPA UCMR5
Report Year: 2026

New Haven, Connecticut drinking water is supplied by Regional Water Authority. All US public water systems must test drinking water and report results to the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act. This report summarizes health-based violations and PFAS detections recorded in federal databases to help you make informed decisions about home water filtration.

EPA Violation History

No health-based EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) violations on record since 2010 for this utility.

PFAS "Forever Chemical" Detections

PFAS compounds were detected in this water system during EPA's Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5) testing program (2023-2025). EPA has set maximum contaminant levels of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS individually.

PFAS Compound Level Detected Solution
PFOS 0.0040 ug/L PFAS Filters
PFOA 0.0063 ug/L PFAS Filters
PFBS 0.0034 ug/L PFAS Filters
PFPeA 0.0031 ug/L PFAS Filters

Source: EPA UCMR5 occurrence data. Levels in micrograms per liter (ug/L = parts per billion). 1 ug/L = 1,000 ppt.

Should You Filter Your New Haven Water?

Even utilities with no EPA violations may have contaminants present below legal limits but above health guidelines. The EPA sets maximum contaminant levels based on what is feasible and affordable to treat at scale -- not necessarily what carries zero health risk. Many independent health organizations recommend filtration for households with children, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals regardless of utility compliance status.

Protect Your New Haven Home Water

PureWaterGuys.com carries filtration systems certified to reduce PFAS compounds like PFOA and PFOS. We ship to all Connecticut addresses with free expert guidance on the right system.

Shop PFAS Water Filters →Take the Water Quiz

Frequently Asked Questions

Is New Haven tap water safe to drink?

Regional Water Authority is required to meet EPA federal drinking water standards. However, meeting legal standards is not the same as being contaminant-free. Trace levels of disinfection byproducts, PFAS compounds, and other regulated contaminants are common in US municipal water systems.

Does New Haven water have PFAS?

PFAS compounds were detected in this utility's water during EPA UCMR5 monitoring. A certified PFAS filter -- such as reverse osmosis or activated carbon block -- can significantly reduce these compounds at your tap.

What water filter works best for New Haven?

A whole-house carbon block filter removes chlorine, chloramines, and many VOCs. For PFAS, arsenic, and nitrates, a reverse osmosis under-sink system provides the highest reduction rates. Take our free 2-minute quiz to find the right system for your home and budget.

Data sourced from EPA SDWIS and UCMR5 federal databases. PureWaterGuys.com is not affiliated with any municipal water utility. Contact your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for complete local data.

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