Darien Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Darien tap water is generally safe, though there are a few things worth knowing. At just 113.5 ppm (6.6 gpg), the water is pleasantly soft. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. There have been 72 violations recorded over the past 3 years.
Generally Safe
Minor compliance issues
6.6 GPG hardness
Lead
Below EPA action level
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Hardness
Moderate water
US Average: 100 ppm
Is Darien Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Darien tap water meets EPA health standards, but the water utility has administrative compliance issues.
- •No health-based violations in the past 3 years.
- •Lead levels are below the EPA action level.
- •72 monitoring/reporting violations (administrative issues like missed testing deadlines or late reports).
- •While not directly health-related, frequent administrative violations may indicate operational issues with the water utility.
- •We recommend testing your water at home for complete peace of mind.
The data below shows test results from 4 water utilities serving 532K people in the Darien area. Water quality testing is conducted regularly and reported to the EPA.
How Hard is Darien Water?
113.5 ppm
6.6 grains per gallon
Impact on Your Home
Shower
Minor dryness possible
Kitchen
Some water spots
Laundry
May need more detergent
Appliances
Minimal scale
Regional Comparison
Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)
Based on 132 water samples from Fairfield County.
Your pipes tell a different story
The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Darien tap water.
Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.
Lead & Contaminants
Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Darien
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
0.23 ppb
Darien lead levels are well within safe limits.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2025-12-31
About Lead in Drinking Water
What is Lead in Water?
Lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb, though they emphasize there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
Developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
High blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues
How to Reduce Exposure
- •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
- •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
- •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
- •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986
EPA Compliance History
Active Violations
Administrative issues pendingCurrent violations are administrative or monitoring-related. Water quality is not immediately affected, but stay informed about utility updates.
3-Year Violation Summary
72
Total Violations
0
Health-Related
72
Administrative
Health-Related Violations
Contaminant exceeded EPA safety limits. May require filter or alternative water source.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides Darien's Water?
Utility Name
AQUARION-EASTERN FAIRFIELD COUNTY
EPA System ID (PWSID)
CT0150011
Primary Water Source
Surface Water
Population Served
532K
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Darien tap water quality
Nearby Cities in Connecticut
Seymour
Moderate water
Southington
Soft water
Wolcott
Moderate water
Stamford
Moderate water
Berlin
Soft water
Prospect
Moderate water
This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology