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Lead service lines in New Britain, CT

4 water utilities serve New Britain, with approximately 73,727 people served.

Last verified from EPA SDWIS + utility inventories: 2026-04-14
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Lead Service Lines in New Britain, CT

New Britain serves approximately 73,727 residents through 4 water systems. The New Britain Water Department is the primary supplier, serving about 73,534 people in the city.

What we know about lead service lines here

Lead service lines are pipes that connect water mains in the street to homes. Water sitting in these pipes overnight or for several hours can pick up lead. Connecticut requires water utilities to maintain and update their lead service line inventories.

Currently, there is no reported data on the number of known or suspected lead service lines in New Britain's water systems. This doesn't mean there are no lead lines—it means the utilities either haven't completed their inventories yet, or the data isn't publicly available. Connecticut law requires utilities to identify and replace lead service lines on a set schedule, but the process takes time.

Why this matters

Lead exposure, especially for children under 6 and pregnant women, can affect brain development and learning. Even low levels of lead in drinking water pose a risk. The only way to know if your home has a lead service line is to contact your water utility directly or have a licensed plumber check your property.

What you can do now

Contact the New Britain Water Department to ask:

  • Whether your address has a lead service line
  • What their timeline is for testing and replacement
  • Whether they offer free or subsidized replacement programs

If your home was built before 1986, it's more likely to have a lead service line, though homes built after that date can still have them.

In the meantime, you can reduce exposure by running cold water from your tap for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking if the water hasn't been used for several hours. Use cold water for cooking and drinking—hot water leaches more lead. If you're concerned about your child's health, contact your pediatrician or the CDC.

Next steps for residents

  • Call the New Britain Water Department (or visit their website) and ask about lead service line inventory for your address
  • Have a licensed plumber inspect your water meter and service line if you want confirmation
  • Run your tap before using water for drinking or cooking if it's been sitting unused for hours
  • Consult your pediatrician if you have health concerns about lead exposure

Utilities serving New Britain

Common questions

How do I know if my house has a lead service line in New Britain?

Contact the New Britain Water Department directly with your address. They maintain a lead service line inventory and can tell you whether your property is known to have one. You can also have a licensed plumber inspect the pipe at your meter.

Is the water in New Britain safe to drink?

New Britain's water meets federal safety standards, but lead can enter water through old service lines on individual properties. If you're worried about lead, ask your utility about your specific service line and consider testing your tap water.

Does New Britain replace lead service lines for free?

Contact the New Britain Water Department to ask about replacement programs, costs, and timelines. Some utilities offer free or subsidized replacement, especially for low-income households.

What should I do if my child drank water from a lead service line?

Contact your pediatrician. The CDC recommends that children with potential lead exposure have their blood lead levels tested. Acute poisoning from a single exposure is rare, but ongoing exposure is a concern.