New Jersey vs Connecticut
Statewide drinking water quality comparison — violation rates, PFAS prevalence, and system-level risk
Quick Answer
Connecticut has a lower open-violation rate (0.0% vs. 1.1%). New Jersey has 243 utilities with PFAS records (67.3%) vs. 59 in Connecticut (48.8%).
NJ · 361 utilities
1.1%
Open violation rate
67.3%
PFAS detection rate
0
High/critical risk
100.0%
Safe/low risk
CT · 121 utilities
0.0%
Open violation rate
48.8%
PFAS detection rate
0
High/critical risk
100.0%
Safe/low risk
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | New Jersey | Connecticut |
|---|---|---|
| Total Utilities | 361 | 121 |
| Population Served | 8,860,901 | 2,675,985 |
| Well Water % | 20% on private wells | 22% on private wells |
| Open Violation Rate | 1.1%(4 utilities) | 0.0%(0 utilities) |
| PFAS Detection Rate | 67.3%(243 utilities) | 48.8%(59 utilities) |
| High/Critical Risk Utilities | 0 | 0 |
| Safe/Low Risk Rate | 100.0%(361 utilities) | 100.0%(121 utilities) |
| Top Contaminants |
State Profiles
New Jersey
New Jersey has 361 community water systems serving approximately 8.9 million residents. Primary water sources include groundwater. The most commonly reported contaminants include disinfection byproducts, lead, arsenic. 20% of New Jersey residents rely on private wells. DEP holds primary enforcement authority under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Connecticut
Connecticut has 121 community water systems serving approximately 2.7 million residents. Primary water sources include groundwater. The most commonly reported contaminants include disinfection byproducts, lead. 22% of Connecticut residents rely on private wells. DPH holds primary enforcement authority under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Key Differences
Open violation rate: New Jersey at 1.1% vs. Connecticut at 0.0%. Connecticut has a lower rate of systems with unresolved health-based violations.
PFAS detection: New Jersey has PFAS records at 67.3% of utilities vs. 48.8% in Connecticut. Rates reflect UCMR 5 monitoring (2023–2025).
Well water reliance: New Jersey (20% on private wells) vs. Connecticut (22% on private wells). Private well users are not regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act and should test independently.