The MDC is proud to report that its water has always met every standard set by the state and federal governments for quality and safety. If you have any questions about MDC water quality, please contact our customer service unit at (860) 278-0127. The MDC will be happy to provide further information or clarification.

What methods of treatment are used? All MDC water is filtered. The Reservoir 6 (Bloomfield) rapid sand filtration system combines chemical treatment with filtration at six small filter beds. Water is pre-treated with aluminum sulfate, which helps to remove suspended particles; fluoride, to help prevent tooth decay; sodium hydroxide and an ortho/polyphosphate blend, to reduce the water's natural acidity; and chlorine, to kill any remaining bacteria.

A report is available which lists analytical testing results for water samples taken from the MDC's distribution system. The distribution system water quality is representative of the actual quality of water delivered to MDC customers. The maximum allowable level (MCL) for each constituent is also listed.

Laboratory monitoring is done for more than 130 elements, compounds and characteristics. A few of these are listed in the accompanying table. The MDC, like all public water systems, is required to treat the water before it is delivered to the tap so that these elements are removed or are at levels that cannot affect human health. The MDC's state-licensed laboratory at Reservoir 6 conducts more than 70,000 physical, chemical and bacteriological tests per year. Hundreds of other tests are conducted by outside labs as special needs arise.

There is a strong commitment by MDC, state regulators, and public health professionals to protect Connecticut's drinking water supplies and inform consumers about water quality issues. For additional materials on water quality, please feel free to contact the MDC or the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Safe Drinking Water Act Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.