New Britain Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

The New Britain Water Department serves 73,534 people across four Connecticut cities from its headquarters at 1000 Shuttle Meadow Avenue. The utility operates the Shuttle Meadow Water Treatment Plant, drawing surface water from six ponds: Shuttle Meadow, Wasel, Whigville, Wolcott, White Bridge, and Hart Ponds. Three well fields supplement supply — the Upper and Lower White Bridge well fields in Bristol and the Patton Brook well in Southington. The utility also has access to the Metropolitan District Commission's Nepaug Reservoir, a 9.5-billion-gallon facility approximately one mile northwest of Collinsville in the Farmington River watershed.

The water supply originates in Connecticut's northwest hills, roughly 20 miles from Hartford, within the Farmington River watershed. Underlying bedrock is dominated by Devonian-age metamorphic and sedimentary formations that naturally contain elevated concentrations of calcium and magnesium minerals. Glacial deposits overlying the bedrock contribute additional mineral content, particularly in the groundwater sources from the well fields. Together these geological factors produce a hard water supply characteristic of central Connecticut.

Hard water in New Britain causes scale buildup in water heaters, dishwashers, pipes, coffee makers, and humidifiers, reducing efficiency and shortening appliance lifespan. Reduced soap and detergent lather, spotting on glassware, and stiff laundered fabrics are common. A water softener is recommended for households with high-use appliances to extend plumbing longevity. The utility treats water with hypochlorite and ozone disinfection; 11 contaminants have been reported above EPA health-based guidelines (MCLGs), including bromodichloromethane and chloroform — both trihalomethanes (TTHMs) formed as disinfection byproducts. The utility holds a water quality grade of B (Good); a filter is recommended for some service area locations. Emergency contact is available 24/7 at 860-826-3000.