Water hardness in Connecticut, characterized by the amount of dissolved minerals such as calcium and magnesium, can significantly differ among various cities across the state due to its varied geological landscapes. Situated in the northeastern U.S., Connecticut’s water hardness levels reflect the geological diversity within the state.
Across Connecticut, water hardness can range from moderately soft to very hard, depending on the geological makeup of the area and the source of the water supply. For example, coastal areas often have softer water due to the influence of river basins and the Atlantic Coastal Plain’s sedimentary deposits, while regions in the northern and northwestern parts of the state may experience harder water due to the higher mineral content from metamorphic and igneous rock formations.
The variation in water hardness throughout Connecticut influences not only the taste and aesthetics of the water but also the efficiency of soaps and detergents, plumbing maintenance, and the lifespan of appliances that utilize water. Given the state’s considerable geological diversity, water hardness is not uniform, highlighting the need for localized water treatment solutions and ongoing monitoring of water quality.
In the provided data, the water hardness levels show substantial variations across different cities in Connecticut. Among the cities for which data is reported, the highest water hardness level is recorded in Newtown with a hardness of 171.2 ppm, 10.0 gpg. Conversely, the city with the lowest recorded water hardness level is Stamford, reporting a hardness of 51.4 ppm, 3.0 gpg.
City | Hardness ppm (mg/L) | Hardness gpg | Information Source | Notes |
Bridgeport | 59.9 | 3.5 | Link | |
Stamford | 51.4 | 3.0 | Link | |
New Haven | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Hartford | n/a | n/a | Link | Alkalinity and pH only |
Waterbury | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Norwalk | 87.9 | 5.1 | Link | |
Danbury | 102.7 | 6.0 | Link | |
New Britain | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Bristol | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Meriden | n/a | n/a | Link | |
West Haven | n/a | n/a | Link | Covered by New Haven |
Milford | n/a | n/a | Link | Covered by New Haven |
Middletown | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Shelton | 59.9 | 3.5 | Link | Covered by Bridgeport |
Norwich | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Torrington | 154.1 | 9.0 | Link | Litchfield/Goshen/Torrington |
Naugatuck | n/a | n/a | Link | |
New London | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Ansonia | n/a | n/a | Link | Covered by New Haven |
Derby | n/a | n/a | Link | Covered by New Haven |
Groton | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Danielson | n/a | n/a | Link | Only able to find a NYT toxic water reports for the town’s water utility |
Jewett City | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Newtown | 171.2 | 10.0 | Link | |
Woodmont | n/a | n/a | Link | Boro of Milford |
Litchfield | 154.1 | 9.0 | Link | Litchfield/Goshen/Torrington |
Stonington | n/a | n/a | Link | |
Bantam | 154.1 | 9.0 | Link | Covered by Litchfield |
Groton Long Point | n/a | n/a | Link | Covered by Groton |
Fenwick | n/a | n/a | Link | Under the Old Saybrook water report |
ppm = Parts Per Million
mg/L = Milligrams Per Liter
gpg = Grains Per Gallon
Hard water can cause issues such as mineral buildup in plumbing and appliances, reduce the efficacy of soaps and detergents, and affect the taste of the water. A tried and true solution is the use of a water softener. A water softener, like the ones from DROP, could be a worthwhile investment.
These devices work by replacing the calcium and magnesium ions that cause hardness with sodium ions, resulting in softer water. With innovative features, easy installation, and efficient operation, DROP smart water softeners provide a solution to hard water issues, extending the lifespan of appliances, improving water taste, enhancing soap effectiveness, reducing scale build-up, and increasing the overall water efficiency in your home.