Well water in Hartford County, CT: what to know and what to test for

Bottom line

About3,600people on private wells may have arsenic above the drinking water limit of 10 micrograms per liter (likely 2,400 to 5,300).

Among the lower estimates in Connecticut.

Indoor radon potential: Lower

Connecticut recommends testing every private well for arsenic, uranium and radon at least once.

Find a certified lab
How to read these numbers

USGS estimate based on 2010 population, published 2017.

Connecticut advises well owners to compare their results to this limit.

Larger counties have more well users, so higher counts don't mean any one well is more likely to be affected.

EPA zone for indoor air. It doesn't measure your well water.

What to test for

The Connecticut Department of Public Health recommends these tests for every private well.

TestHow often
Basic indicators (bacteria, nitrate, pH, iron and other common measures)Every year, and after any repair to your well, pump or pipes, or if your well head floods
Arsenic, uranium and radon in waterAt least once, ideally every 5 years
LeadAt least once; also if you're planning a pregnancy or have a child under 6; every 3 to 5 years if your water is corrosive
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs: gasoline, oil, solvents)At least once; more often if a problem is suspected
FluorideEvery 5 years when a child under 12 lives in the home

Questions about testing or treatment? Call the CT DPH Private Well Program at (860) 509-8401.

Source: Connecticut Department of Public Health, Educational Materials on private well testing (updated May 2026)

Where to test

Certified labs in Hartford County that accept private-well samples.

Envirotech Laboratory

Windsor

Certified for

  • Bacteria
  • Minerals and metals (inorganics)
  • Radioactive elements (radiological)

Call to request a private well test kit and price.

(860) 688-7249

Northeast Laboratories, Inc

Rocky Hill

Certified for

  • Bacteria
  • Minerals and metals (inorganics)

Call to request a private well test kit and price.

(860) 828-9787

These are the test groups marked yes for that lab. A yes means the lab is certified for some or all of the tests in that group.

Lab list current as of October 9, 2026, from the Connecticut Department of Public Health.

Sources