Hartford County, Connecticut: drinking water report. Hartford County in north-central Connecticut has about 899,000 residents, including Hartford, New…
Hartford County in north-central Connecticut has about 899,000 residents, including Hartford, New Britain, and Bristol. The Metropolitan District Commission operates one of the largest water systems in the state, drawing from six reservoirs in the West Hartford and Barkhamsted watersheds. The Connecticut River flows through the county, and its floodplain aquifer feeds some smaller water systems and private wells.
The MDC's reservoir-based supply consistently produces high-quality water, but the legacy of Hartford's industrial past – Colt Manufacturing, Pratt & Whitney, and numerous precision metalworking shops – left contamination in specific areas. According to Connecticut DEEP's 2024 database, the county has 85 active remediation sites involving chlorinated solvents and petroleum products.
Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks has documented AFFF firefighting foam use. A 2024 CT DEEP PFAS investigation found combined PFAS at 22 ppt in monitoring wells near the airport – above the proposed state action level. The Connecticut National Guard's Hartford facility has also contributed PFAS to local groundwater.
Hartford County's reservoir water supply is well-protected and thoroughly treated. The main household concerns are aging infrastructure in Hartford's older neighborhoods (lead service lines and solder) and localized groundwater contamination near industrial or military sites.
Check your water for data at your address. For lead from older pipes, a certified filter at the tap provides daily protection. For PFAS near the airport or military sites, reverse osmosis is the go-to option. Our water filter guide addresses both. Pull your detailed report for trends, and visit our Connecticut page for statewide context.