Connecticut Guide
PFAS Contamination in Connecticut — What You Need to Know
Connecticut has some of the most significant PFAS contamination in the country. Here is where it has been found, what the state is doing about it, and how to protect your drinking water right now.
Last updated: April 2026 · By the PFASFilterGuide team
Connecticut PFAS Standard
10 ppt for PFOA. 10 ppt for PFOS.
Connecticut adopted Maximum Contaminant Levels of 10 ppt each for PFOA and PFOS, which became effective in 2021. These apply to public water systems. The state is also monitoring for additional PFAS compounds and may expand its MCL list. Connecticut's limits align with New York's and are stricter than the EPA's federal 4 ppt MCLs, though the state adopted them before federal rules were finalized.
Known Contamination Sites
These are publicly documented PFAS detections in Connecticut. This is not a complete list — new sites are found regularly as testing expands.
| Location | Source | PFAS Level |
|---|---|---|
| Groton / New London area (New London County) | Naval Submarine Base New London and Electric Boat shipyard | PFAS detected in groundwater near the base and in nearby private wells |
| Windsor Locks (Hartford County) | Bradley International Airport and Air National Guard Base | PFAS above MCL in wells near Bradley — one of Connecticut's most documented contamination sites |
| Southington (Hartford County) | Former industrial manufacturing sites | Multiple PFAS compounds detected in municipal supply wells |
| Stratford (Fairfield County) | Former Sikorsky Aircraft manufacturing operations | PFAS detected in groundwater near manufacturing campus |
| North Haven (New Haven County) | Industrial corridor along Route 5 / Quinnipiac River | PFAS detected in monitoring wells near industrial properties |
| Waterbury (New Haven County) | Former manufacturing and industrial waste sites | PFAS detected in stormwater and some groundwater monitoring points |
Military Base Contamination
AFFF firefighting foam used on military bases is one of the largest sources of PFAS groundwater contamination. The Department of Defense has identified these Connecticut bases:
Naval Submarine Base New London (Groton)
PFAS detected in base groundwater from AFFF use. Navy conducting remedial investigation. Monitoring wells installed around perimeter.
Bradley Air National Guard Base (Windsor Locks)
Major contamination source. PFAS above MCL in nearby wells. CT DEEP and Air Force coordinating remediation. Treatment systems installed at affected water supplies.
Connecticut Air National Guard (Stratford / Bridgeport area)
PFAS assessment underway. Lower contamination levels than Bradley site.
Niantic Army Aviation Support Facility (East Lyme)
PFAS detected in monitoring wells. Investigation ongoing.
Connecticut PFAS Regulations
- MCLs of 10 ppt for PFOA and 10 ppt for PFOS — effective 2021
- Public water systems must test annually and report results to CT DEEP
- Systems exceeding MCLs must notify customers and take corrective action
- CT DEEP has authority to require investigation and cleanup at PFAS-contaminated sites
- PFAS added to Connecticut's list of hazardous substances under the Transfer Act
- 2021 Public Act 21-191 establishes PFAS framework including source water protection
- Connecticut joined multistate litigation against AFFF manufacturers
How to Test Your Water in Connecticut
Connecticut requires public water systems to test for PFOA and PFOS under state regulations. Results are available through CT DEEP's drinking water program. If you are on a private well and near a known contamination site, testing is strongly recommended. CT DEEP maintains a list of areas with documented PFAS detections. Private labs such as Analytical Laboratory Services and Tap Score ship test kits to Connecticut addresses. Testing costs $150-$300 for a full PFAS panel.
Recommended Filters for Connecticut Residents
Any NSF P473 certified filter removes PFAS. The right type depends on whether you rent or own, and how many taps you want filtered.
Renters / Budget
Clearly Filtered Pitcher — $80 + $60/yr filters. NSF P473. No install.
See full reviewHomeowners / Kitchen
Under-sink RO system — $200-$400. Filters all drinking + cooking water at one tap.
See full reviewWhole-House
SpringWell PFAS system — $1,500+. Filters every tap including showers and laundry.
See full reviewCommon Questions
Where is PFAS most concentrated in Connecticut?+
The worst documented contamination is near Bradley International Airport and Bradley Air National Guard Base in Windsor Locks. PFAS from AFFF use exceeded state MCLs in nearby wells. The Groton area near Naval Submarine Base New London is also a concern. Connecticut's dense industrial history means PFAS is present across multiple communities.
Does Connecticut test private wells for PFAS?+
Not automatically. CT DEEP does not require private well testing statewide, but the state does provide information about areas with known contamination. If you are on a private well near a military base, airport, or former industrial site, you should arrange testing yourself through a certified lab. Some municipalities in affected areas have offered free testing programs.
What is the PFAS situation near the Groton submarine base?+
Naval Submarine Base New London has used AFFF for decades in firefighting training. PFAS has been detected in base groundwater, and monitoring wells around the perimeter track whether contamination is migrating. The Navy is conducting a remedial investigation. Residents on private wells near the base should test their water.
Is tap water in Hartford or New Haven safe from PFAS?+
Hartford and New Haven's public water systems source water primarily from surface reservoirs, which generally have lower PFAS levels than groundwater. However, both systems are required to test under state regulations. Check your annual Consumer Confidence Report or the CT DEEP database for your water system's latest PFAS results.
Protect Your Water Now
You do not need to wait for your state to act. An NSF P473 certified filter removes PFAS from your tap water today. Start with a test to know your levels, then pick the filter that fits your home.