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Plainfield System
Dear Valued Customer:
At Connecticut Water we know that water touches everything we care about. The most important thing we do each day
is to provide clean, high-quality drinking water that you can trust. Our team of over 200 dedicated, trained professionals
work to make sure you have reliable water service at your tap 365 days a year.
Our 2023 Annual Water Quality Report includes the results of more than 170,000 water samples (about 400 tests a day),
which were tested at state certified laboratories for over 120 water quality parameters. We are pleased to report that
the water quality results in your system meet all state and federal drinking water standards.
Within these pages are details about your drinking water: where it comes from, what is done to protect and treat it, and
the results of our water quality tests.
We are also committed to the stewardship of water resources: we believe it is important to protect our water sources,
land and the environment for current and future generations. Some of the ways we do that are:
- A comprehensive source-protection program including annual watershed inspections and clean-ups
- Ownership of over 6,000 acres of land maintained and protected as open space
- Active involvement by our team with local officials, reviewing and commenting on land development
proposals or activities that could affect water quality at our sources of supply
Delivering high-quality drinking water to you is our highest priority. The data from these tests is regularly reviewed for
changes or trends, and any customer water quality complaint is escalated for review by our water quality team. If you
have any questions or comments about your drinking water or this report, please call our Customer Service staff at 1-
800-286-5700 or send an e-mail to [email protected].
Sincerely,
Craig J. Patla
President, Connecticut Water
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2023 Water Quality Report – Plainfield Water System
Public Water System ID# CT1090081
Connecticut Water is pleased to present a summary of the quality of the water provided to you during
the past year. This report meets the requirements of the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, to report
annually the details of where your water comes from, what it contains, and the risks that our water
testing and treatment are designed to prevent.
Federal law allows water providers to make the annual water quality reports available online. Paper
copies can be mailed to customers upon request. We will notify customers through, bill inserts, news releases, our website
and social media any time a new water quality report has been posted to our website. If you have any questions about this
report, please call us at 1-800-286-5700 or e-mail [email protected].
Water Source: The Plainfield System serves Connecticut Water Company customers in the town of
Plainfield. Water for the Plainfield System comes from groundwater wells.
Sources of tap water and bottled water include reservoirs, ponds, wells, and springs. As water travels over the surface of the
land or through the ground, it can dissolve naturally occurring minerals and in some cases, radioactive material, and pick up
substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity, including:
• Viruses and bacteria, which may come from septic systems, livestock, or wildlife.
• Salts and metals, which can be natural or may result from storm water runoff and farming.
• Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban storm water runoff, or
farming.
• Organic chemicals, which originate from industrial processes, gas stations, storm runoff, and septic systems.
• Radioactive substances, which can be naturally occurring.
To ensure safe tap water, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prescribes limits on these substances in water
provided by public water systems.
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Source Water Assessment
The Source Water Assessment and Protection (SWAP) program determines how susceptible public water
supplies are to potential contamination by microbial and/or chemical contaminates. The susceptibility
ranking is assigned using information collected by the Department of Public Health (DPH) in 2003.
The below table summarizes the SWAP assessments for the system. These assessments are not an
indication of water quality from our water sources. Complete SWAP reports can be found here:
http://tinyurl.com/cwc-swapreport
Overall
Town Water Supply Source Type Susceptibility
Plainfield Plainfield Wellfield Groundwater Low
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Protecting Water Sources
Source water is untreated water from streams, rivers, lakes, or underground aquifers that is used to
supply public drinking water. Preventing drinking water contamination at the source makes good public
health sense, good economic sense, and good environmental sense. Most contaminates enter rivers,
lakes and reservoirs from storm water runoff of streets, parking lots, golf courses, athletic fields,
construction sites, farms and residential neighborhoods. You can be aware of the challenges of keeping
drinking water safe and take an active role in protecting drinking water.
There are lots of ways that you can get involved in drinking water protection activities to prevent the contamination of the
ground water source:
• Restrict the use of lawn chemicals, especially before heavy rains.
• Dispose of pet or animal waste properly so that it does not wash into a nearby stream or storm drain.
• Inspect septic tanks every two years, and clean as needed. Make septic system repairs as soon as possible.
• Do not pour used motor oil on the ground or into storm drains. Contact your town for proper disposal of household
chemicals.
• Report muddy runoff from construction sites to your town’s zoning or wetland officials.
Connecticut Water staff works closely with developers, local land use agencies and state agencies to
minimize potential impacts from proposed land use activities within our source water protection areas.
We also work with local and state officials to correct new or existing violations in our source water
protection areas, as necessary.
Connecticut Water regularly inspects more than 5,600 properties within our public water supply watershed areas throughout
the state. Our watershed inspectors protect your drinking water by inspecting properties and ensuring they meet the
regulations set by the Connecticut DPH. They look for and report conditions such as failing septic systems, wastewater
discharge, improper livestock manure management, soil erosion and sedimentation, leaking heating oil tanks, improper usage
and storage of chemicals, road salt, pesticides and fertilizers, illegal dumping, or any other factors that could affect water
quality.
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Educational Information on Lead & Copper
We believe it is important to provide you with information about the sources of lead and copper in
drinking water and the health effects associated with them.
What is Lead?
Major Sources in Drinking Water: Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits.
Health Effects Statement: Infants and children who drink water containing lead in excess of the action
level could experience delays in their physical or mental development. If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious
health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Children could show slight deficits in attention span and
learning abilities. Adults who drink this water over many years could develop kidney problems or high blood pressure.
Connecticut Water Company is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of
materials used in plumbing components in your home where they could potentially r esult in lead in your drinking water. If you
are concerned about the potential for lead in your drinking water from in-home plumbing and fixtures, you can minimize the
potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. This is
important especially in cases where you may not have used your water over a period of several hours and it’s been sitting in
the pipes. You may also wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you
can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-
drinking-water/safe-drinking-water-hotline) or www.epa.gov/safewater/lead Where needed, we have a comprehensive
corrosion control program, to reduce risk of lead leaching from our customers’ service line or internal plumbing. This includes
pH monitoring and adjustment. And, we fully comply with EPA requirements regarding sampling for lead in drinking water. We
provide documentation to the Connecticut Department of Public Health to demonstrate our results.
What is Copper?
Major Sources in Drinking Water: Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood
preservatives
Health Effects Statement: Copper is an essential nutrient, but some people who drink water containing copper in excess of the
action level over a relatively short amount of time could experience gastrointestinal distress. Some people who drink water
containing copper in excess of the action level over many years could, suffer liver or kidney damage. People with Wilson’s
Disease should consult their personal doctor. If you are concerned about elevated lead or copper levels, you may wish to have
your water tested. Running your tap for 30 seconds to two minutes before use will significantly reduce the levels of lead and
copper in the water. Additional information is available from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water
Hotline website https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/safe-drinking-water-hotline.
For information on the levels of lead and copper detected in your drinking water system, please refer to the table in this water
quality report.
Special Considerations: Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population.
Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ
transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk
from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by cryptosporidium and
other microbiological contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline w ebsite https://www.epa.gov/ground-
water-and-drinking-wat er/safe-drinking-water-hotline.
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Water Quality Data – Plainfield Water System
The results of the tests conducted on water samples throughout the distribution system for regulated
compounds are summarized in the table below. The Safe Drinking Water Act allows us to monitor for
some contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants do not
change frequently. Some of our data, though representative, are more than one year old. If levels were
tested prior to 2023 , the year is identified in the sample year column. The presence of contaminants in
the water does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. The “Range of Detection”
column represents the lowest and highest concentration detected throughout the monitoring period.
DISINFECTANT RESIDUAL
Range of Met Drinking
MRDL Detection Sample Water
Analyte Unit MRDL G Low High Year Standards Typical Source
Water additive used to
Chlorine ppm 4 4 0.26 1.23 2023 Yes control microbes
INORGANIC CHEMICALS
Range of Met Drinking
Detection Sample Water
Analyte Unit MCL MCLG Low High Year Standards Typical Source
Erosion of natural
Barium ppm 2 2 0.019 0.019 2022 Yes deposits
Erosion of natural
Chloride ppm 250 NA 41 41 2022 Yes deposits
Nitrate ppm 10 10 0.65 0.65 2023 Yes Runoff from fertilizer
NL = Erosion of natural
Sodium ppm >100 NA 29.4 29.4 2022 Yes deposits
Erosion of natural
Sulfate ppm NA 250 5.9 5.9 2022 Yes deposits
Nitrate
Connecticut Water Company's Plainfield System is in compliance with the EPA’s standard of less than 10 ppm for nitrate in
drinking water. However, you should know that a nitrate level in drinking water above 10 ppm is a health risk for infants les s
than six months of age. High nitrate levels in drinking water can cause blue baby syndrome. Nitrate levels may rise quickly for
short periods of time because of rainfall or agricultural activity. If you are caring for an infant, you may want to ask for advice
from your health care provider.
RADIONUCLIDES
Range of Met Drinking
Detection Sample Water
Analyte Unit MCL MCLG Low High Year Standards Typical Source
pCi/ Erosion of natural
Alpha Emitters L 15 0 ND ND 2022 Yes deposits
pCi/ Erosion of natural
Radon L NA NA 1,070 1,070 2023 Yes deposits
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What is Radon
There is currently no federal drinking water standard for radon and it is not clear whether radon that is ingested (i.e. taken
through the mouth) contributes to cancer or other adverse health conditions. EPA is considering a standard of no more than
4,000 pCi/L in water, though the final EPA standard may be different. As more information becomes available, Connecticut
Water will take appropriate measures as may be necessary.
Radon is a colorless, tasteless, naturally occurring radioactive gas that may be present in rock, soil, groundwater and air. Radon
can move up through the ground and into a home through cracks and holes in the foundation. Radon can enter homes from
tap water during showering, washing dishes, and other household activities. Compared to radon entering the home through
soil, radon entering the home through tap water will, in most cases, be a very small portion of the total radon in indoor air.
Approximately only 1 part in 10,000 of radon in water will move into the air through these normal household activities.
If you are concerned about radon in your home, you may wish to test the air. Testing is inexpensive and easy. For additional
information, call DPH at 860-509- 7299 or EPA’s Radon Hotline at 1- 800-SOS- RADON.
MICROBIOLOGICAL
Met Drinking
Detected in Sample Water
Analyte MCL MCLG Water System Year Standards Typical Source
Total Coliforms TT > 1 ** 1 Present in June 2023 Yes Naturally present in
E. coli See below † 0 Absent 2023 Yes environment
Turbidity TT >5 NTU 0 ND 0.25 2023 Yes Soil runoff
** Total
Coliform
This report reflects compliance with the Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR) issued April 1, 2016. The RTCR requires water
systems to continue to monitor for coliform contamination, and replaced the monthly MCL for total coliform with a TT for total
coliform. The TT dictates that when coliform contamination exceeds a specified frequency, water systems must conduct an
assessment of the system to identify and correct any potential routes of contamination in order to remain in compliance with
Drinking Water Standards.
† E. coli
Any routine sample that shows the presence of total coliform triggers repeat samples that must be analyzed for total
coliform and E. coli . If E. coli is found in any repeat sample, the system is considered to be in violation of the MCL.
Turbidity
Turbidity has no health effects. However, turbidity can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for microbial
growth. Turbidity may indicate the presence of disease -causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and
parasites that can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea and associated headaches.
LEAD AND COPPER
Range of 90th Sampl Met Drinking
Detection %ile e Water
Analyte Unit MCL MCLG Low High value Year Standards Typical Source
AL = 2023 Yes Corrosion of household
Lead ppb 15 0 ND 43.3 4 (1 of 41 samples > AL) plumbing systems
AL = Corrosion of household
Copper ppm 1.3 1.3 0.014 0.753 0.466 2023 Yes plumbing systems
Educational Information about Lead and Copper
The table above provides information on the levels of lead and copper detected in your drinking water system. For general
information on lead and copper, please refer to the Educational Information on Lead & Copper section of this CCR for
additional information.
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DISINFECTION BYPRODUCTS
Range of Sampl Met Drinking
Detection e Water
Analyte Unit MCL MCLG Low High LRAA Year Standards Typical Source
Total
Trihalomethan By-product of drinking
es ppb 80 NA 16.3 16.3 16.3 2023 Yes water disinfection
Haloacetic By-product of drinking
Acids ppb 60 NA 3.7 3.7 3.7 2023 Yes water disinfection
PFAS
Contaminant Range CT DPH AL Common Uses
PFOA (ppt) ND 16
PFOS (ppt) ND 10 Non-stick and stain-resistant coatings
PFNA (ppt) ND 12 Food packaging
PFHxS (ppt) ND 49 Chemically inert coatings
Fire-fighting foam
PFHpA (ppt) ND NA Industrial processes
PFBS (ppt) ND 760
PFAS is an abbreviated term for per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances. In June of 2022, Connecticut DPH established Action
Levels (AL) for 4 of the PFAS chemicals as listed above. Although monitoring is not required at this time by either the EPA o r the
DPH, Connecticut Water has evaluated all active sources for the presence of these compounds and has voluntarily
communicated the results to our customers where these compounds have been detected. There is nothing that you need to do
at this time. Your drinking water continues to meet, or be better than, all federal and state regulatory standards.
TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
AL = Action Level: The concentration of a contaminant that, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water system must
follow.
LRAA = Locational Running Annual Average: The average of sample analytical results for samples taken at a particular monitoring location
during the previous 4 calendar quarters. The LRAA is used for direct comparison to the MCL.This is the opening portion of a long document. Use Download complete plain text above for the full extracted transcript.