Connecticut's water comes from a mix of public utilities and private companies, depending on where you live
Connecticut does not have a single statewide water system. Instead, the state has dozens of water companies — some publicly owned by towns and cities, others privately owned and regulated by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA). Where you live determines which company serves you and how your rates are set. If you live in a town with its own municipal water department, your rates are usually set by a local board of selectmen or water commission. If you're served by a private water company like Aquarion Water Company (which serves much of southwestern Connecticut), your rates are regulated by PURA and can only change after a formal rate case.
Most Connecticut residents get their water from surface sources — reservoirs and rivers — rather than groundwater wells. The state's largest water systems include the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority, which serves New Haven and surrounding towns, and the Connecticut Water Company, which operates in the central and eastern parts of the state. Smaller towns run their own systems. All public water systems in Connecticut must meet federal and state drinking water standards, tested regularly by the Department of Public Health.
Key Takeaways
- Connecticut's water is supplied by a mix of municipal systems run by towns and private companies regulated by PURA, so your bill and service area depend on your town.
- Most Connecticut water comes from reservoirs and surface sources, and all public systems must meet federal and state drinking water standards.
- Your water bill typically includes the cost of treatment, delivery, and maintenance of pipes, plus any local taxes or fees your town adds.
- If you have questions about your water quality or bill, contact your local water company directly — they are required to provide annual water quality reports.
- Connecticut residents can report water main breaks, low pressure, or discolored water to their local water company's emergency line, which operates 24/7.
How your water bill is calculated
Connecticut water bills vary widely by town and company because each system has different costs. Your bill usually includes a base charge (a fixed monthly fee) plus a usage charge based on how many gallons you consumed. The base charge covers the cost of maintaining the pipes, treatment facilities, and customer service. The usage charge is what you pay per gallon or per 1,000 gallons used.
If you're served by a private company like Aquarion or Connecticut Water Company, PURA reviews their rates every few years to make sure they cover the actual cost of operations plus a reasonable profit. If you're served by a municipal system, the town's water commission or selectmen set rates, usually with a public hearing first. Some towns also add a stormwater fee or a separate sewer charge if the water and sewer systems are separate.
Your bill may also reflect recent infrastructure investments. Connecticut's water pipes are aging — many were installed in the 1950s and 1960s — so water companies regularly raise rates to pay for pipe replacement and treatment upgrades. You can ask your water company for a breakdown of what your bill pays for, and they are required to provide it.
What to do if your water bill seems too high
A sudden spike in your water bill usually means either a leak in your home's pipes or a change in your usage. Check your meter reading on the bill against the previous month — if it jumped significantly, you likely have a leak. Look for wet spots in your yard, basement, or under sinks. A running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons per month and is one of the most common causes of high bills.
If you find a leak and fix it, contact your water company to ask about a one-time adjustment or leak allowance. Many Connecticut water companies offer this, though policies vary. If you believe the meter itself is faulty, you can request a meter test — your water company will do this, usually for a fee of $50 to $150, but they refund it if the meter is found to be inaccurate.
If your bill is high but you haven't found a leak, review your usage. Outdoor watering, filling a pool, or a new appliance can all increase consumption. If you still think something is wrong, contact your water company's customer service line. They can review your account history and compare your usage to similar homes in your area.
Understanding your water quality report
Every public water system in Connecticut must produce an annual Consumer Confidence Report (also called a water quality report) and make it available to customers by July 1 each year. This report lists what contaminants were tested for, what was found, and whether levels are safe. You can usually find it on your water company's website, or you can call and ask them to mail or email it to you.
The report shows results for bacteria, lead, nitrates, and other substances regulated by the EPA and Connecticut Department of Public Health. If any contaminant is found above the safe level, the report must explain what the water company is doing about it and what you should do. For example, if lead is detected, the report will tell you whether you should use a filter or have your water tested at home.
Connecticut's drinking water is generally safe, but lead in older pipes is a concern in some towns. If your home was built before 1986, your water service line or indoor plumbing may contain lead solder or brass fittings. You can request a free or low-cost lead test from your water company or your town's health department. Letting cold water run for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking can reduce lead exposure if you suspect a problem.
Reporting water problems and emergencies
If you notice discolored water, low pressure, or a water main break in your street, contact your water company's emergency line when ready. Most Connecticut water companies operate 24/7 emergency lines. Discolored water is usually caused by sediment stirred up during pipe work or a main break and is not a health hazard, but the company needs to know so they can flush the line. Low pressure can indicate a leak or a problem at the treatment plant.
If you see water gushing from the ground or a large wet area in the street, call 911 first if it's a safety hazard (like near a road), then call your water company. Main breaks are common in older systems and the company will send a crew to locate and repair it. You may experience temporary low pressure or discolored water while repairs are underway.
For non-emergency questions about your water service, billing, or quality, contact your water company's customer service during business hours. They can answer questions about your bill, schedule meter readings, report a suspected leak, or provide information about water conservation programs.
Water conservation and information programs
Connecticut water companies offer various conservation programs to help reduce usage and lower bills. Many provide free water audits, where a technician visits your home and identifies where water is being wasted. Some offer rebates for installing low-flow toilets, showerheads, or outdoor irrigation controllers. Check your water company's website or call their customer service line to see what programs are available in your area.
If you are struggling to pay your water bill, some Connecticut towns offer bill payment information through their social services or human services department. This is separate from the water company itself — you explore through your town. may be able to access and the amount of information vary by town. Contact your town's human services office or call 211 (a statewide referral line) to learn what programs may be available where you live.
Conserving water also helps the environment and reduces the strain on aging infrastructure. straightforward steps like fixing leaks, taking shorter showers, and running full loads in dishwashers and washing machines can reduce your usage by 10 to 20 percent. Your water company's website usually has a list of conservation tips specific to your region.
How to contact your water company
The water company that serves you depends on your town. If you do not know which company supplies your water, check your water bill — the company name and phone number are printed on it. You can also call your town's public works or water department and they will tell you. Below are contact details for some of Connecticut's largest water systems, but this is not a complete list.
| Water Company or System | Service Area | Contact Method |
|---|---|---|
| Aquarion Water Company | Southwestern Connecticut | 1-800-286-5325 or aquarionwater.com |
| Connecticut Water Company | Central and eastern Connecticut | 1-800-286-5325 or ctwater.com |
| South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority | New Haven and surrounding towns | 203-401-2500 or sccrwa.org |
| Stamford Water Department | Stamford | 203-977-4688 or ci.stamford.ct.us |
| Your town's water or public works department | Varies by town | Call your town's main line or visit town website |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my water bill higher in summer?
Summer bills are usually higher because of outdoor watering — lawn irrigation, filling pools, and washing cars all increase usage. If you do not water outdoors, your bill should be similar year-round. Some Connecticut water companies offer seasonal rates or outdoor water budgets to help manage summer costs.
Is Connecticut tap water safe to drink?
Yes, Connecticut's public water systems meet federal and state drinking water standards and are tested regularly. However, lead in older pipes can be a concern in some homes. If your home was built before 1986, you can request a free or low-cost lead test from your water company or town health department.
What should I do if my water smells or tastes bad?
Contact your water company when ready. Unusual taste or smell can indicate a problem with treatment, a pipe issue, or contamination. The company will investigate and may test your water. In the meantime, you can use a pitcher filter or bottled water if you are concerned.
Can I get a refund if I overpaid my water bill?
If you find an error on your bill or have a leak that you fixed, contact your water company's customer service. They can review your account and may offer a one-time adjustment or credit. Policies vary by company, so ask what options are available.
How often should I have my water tested for contaminants?
Your water company tests the public water supply regularly and reports results in the annual Consumer Confidence Report. If you want your own home's water tested — especially for lead or bacteria — contact your town's health department or your water company. They can tell you where to send a sample and what it costs.