As one of the smallest states with just over 4,500 square miles to its name, Connecticut is home to just 3.6 million or so people. Well over 80% of those residents obtain their potable water from one of over 2,500 public water systems.
The majority of those living within the limits of a larger city or town receive their water from surface sources like lakes and rivers. Many who live in rural areas rely on groundwater pulled to the surface by wells.
Public water suppliers are responsible for the adherence to standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (the federal department responsible for protecting all things environmental - including America’s water sources). This goal is achieved by using several processes to ensure water supply cleanliness like filtration, sedimentation, and disinfection.
Common Water Problems by City
While goals and standards are set to ensure drinking water is safe, not every water system is the same. Some are negatively impacted by the treatment process itself while others deal with greater influences of pollution and contamination.
City | Water Source | Common Problems | Typical Symptoms |
|---|---|---|---|
Bridgeport | Eight Reservoirs Well-Drawn Groundwater | Hard Water Chlorination | Dry Skin Limescale Unpleasant Smell |
Stamford | Five Reservoirs Minimal Well-Drawn Groundwater | Hard Water Metal Content | Dry Skin Limescale Staining |
Hartford | Farmington River Nepaug River | Hard Water Metal Content | Dry Skin Staining |
Bridgeport
Bridgeport is serviced by an independent water company. The company collects and holds water in eight reservoirs filled by the natural flow of rivers. About 95% of the city receives its water from one of these reservoirs. Additional water for the remaining percentage comes from well fields owned by the company.
Water from both sources is treated chemically with chlorine. While making the water safe for use, chlorine can create a smell that makes the water less pleasant to use. When excessive chlorine is required to treat the water in the system, it can give the water a poor taste that can be detected even when used in coffee or tea.
For those using well water, the filtration process naturally occurs as water streams through the surface layers of rock and sand. The water is then treated chemically to remove any potential contaminants.
Hard water is the result of naturally occurring materials like minerals being absorbed. Hard water can cause dry, itchy skin and can result in a white deposit called limescale. Limescale is a household nuisance that can, if left unchecked, cause issues with plumbing or appliances that use water.
Stamford
Almost 120,000 people are served 16.9 million gallons of water per day from the Stamford water system. 99 percent of those living in Stamford receive water from one of five reservoirs. The remaining supply comes from distant sources including a company-owned well field.
Hard water is common for Stamford residents. Dry skin after bathing is the most common physical complaint expressed by households with water considered hard. Mineral content in the water is absorbed as it travels from source to tap to create this hard water quality.
For those households using water sourced from wells, regular testing for contaminants and impurities is advised. High levels of metals can be found and could present a health risk if consumed over time.
Hartford
Hartford gets most of its water from the surface sources of the Farmington and Nepaug Rivers. These two rivers are fed by a watershed that covers nearly 100 square miles.
As water travels over land and underground it begins to absorb naturally occurring minerals and metals, which creates the condition known as hard water. While relatively benign when it comes to health impacts, hard water can be a nuisance around the house.
Metals occurring naturally in the water are also mostly harmless to your health. However, significant amounts of iron or manganese can result in stains in sinks, appliances, or anywhere water comes to rest. High levels of certain metals can be toxic and for those residents using a private well, annual testing by a water expert should be performed.