Potable Water Program

Photo of filling a glass with waterThe Potable Water Program assists individuals whose private or public drinking water supply wells may be at risk of becoming contaminated or have become contaminated as a result of human activity.  In these cases, the Remediation Division can investigate complaints relating to impacts to drinking water supplies under Connecticut General Statutes (CGS) Section 22a-471.  If the source of the pollution can be determined, the Commissioner may issue an Order requiring the polluter(s) to provide potable water (short term) and to provide a long-term supply of potable water, which may include connection to a public water system or installation of a water treatment system. The Potable Water Program also assists homeowners in evaluating well water testing results and provides guidance (in consultation with the Department of Public Health (DPH)) on available water treatment alternatives.

DEEP’s Potable Water Program does not address naturally occurring contaminants in drinking water.  In these cases, one should consult with DPH’s Private Well Program (860-509-8401) and the local health department for information and assistance with well water testing and/or water treatment options.  To contact the Potable Water Program regarding drinking water well pollution resulting from human activity other than PFAS, contact the Remediation Division District Supervisor for the town the well is in. If a drinking water well is contaminated with PFAS, contact the DEEP Remediation Division PFAS Lead.

The Department is generally unable to provide bottled water to and/or install and maintain treatment systems at residential locations or at elementary or secondary schools with polluted wells. Limited funding is available, however, to provide bottled water and treatment systems to residential homes located in a DEEP Remediation Division PFAS investigation area. For more information contact the PFAS Lead at DEEP.PFAS@ct.gov or 860-424-3061.

Information for Well Owners

A clean source of drinking water is critical to your health.  Approximately 23% of Connecticut's population relies on private wells as their source of drinking water but many do not know when to test their well, what to test for, or how testing is conducted.  It is important to test your private well regularly to ensure the water quality is safe for you and your family.  Many pollutants in drinking water go unnoticed, as they have no taste, odor, or color.  Only laboratory tests can determine if they are present in your drinking water.

There are a variety of educational materials available to help Connecticut residents understand private well water issues:

CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Resources

CT Department of Public Health Resources 

CT Department of Consumer Protection Resources

  • Well Drilling - includes well drilling reports from 1970-present

US Environmental Protection Agency Resources

If you need further information regarding man-made contaminants in drinking water please send inquiries to: DEEP.PotableWater@ct.gov.

 Content Last Updated November 29, 2024