Groundwater Contamination - Big or small problem? (Hartford, East Hartford: house, work)

[AZParents]

We're debating on moving to CT and one thing that pops up here and there in my research is groundwater contamination. I would like to know - from people who live there - what this issue really is like. Is it a big deal? Is it overhyped? Are some areas better than others about cleaning it up/preventing it? Are there "cancer clusters" in certain areas of the state similar to Rochester NY where the Xerox industry is?

I know there is lots of farming in the state and the pesticides that were used can cause problems, but what else causes the contamination?

[JViello]

The only ground water issues *I* have EVER heard of are in Cheshire and even then I'm not sure how "documented" it really is.

We do not have a lot of farming in the state. Whoever told you that was wrong. We have no major agriculture crops here sans a couple of small operations left and even then your talking a 20-30 acre farm stand deal not a 5000 acre commercial farm like parts of the midwest.

Overall our water quality is some of the best in the country from what I understand.

[redbaron]

Not a huge problem in CT, really depends on the area. The Department of Environmental Protection maintains that list you can get more information on water quality here. Over 90% of CT is classified as having groundwater suitable for drinking without treatment, with mostly the Urban areas not drinkable (these areas are typically served by public water anyway). As far as agricultural contamination there are some areas of the state notably the tobacco valley (Enfield, etc.) which have pockets of contamination due to EDB use which was banned in the 70's.

[andthentherewere3]

I had never even heard groundwater contamination in Connecticut, and I've lived here almost 30 years. I'm more worried about the air I'm breathing.

[JayCT]

There are a few issues with groundwater contamination but they are very few and very far between. If this is of concern, then consider living in an area that is served by public water. Most of Connecticut's major cities are served by extensive public reservoirs that contains some of the best drinking water in the country. Drinking water is not a problem like other states. Jay

[mels]

There is groundwater contamination in the state...plenty of it in industrial areas, but that is the case all over the world. Much was done before environmental laws existed. Most areas of contamination are within areas that have public water, so it really isn't a concern. The DEP does have information when they are involved with a contaminated site, but there are plenty of sites they don't know about.

I worked with contaminated sites for years (environmental engineering) and I live in a house where I am on well water and I am fine with it. It really does not affect 99.9% of the population.

[sun]

May 17, 2007
2007-R-0368
MUNICIPAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION

http://http://www.cga.ct.gov/2007/rpt/2007-R-0368.htm

[AZParents]

Thanks for the replies everyone, this makes me comfortable. It's just that I've never lived anywhere where I had well water, and many of the homes in areas like Farmington Valley seem to have wells. It's the first time I've ever had to even think about groundwater.

Someone mentioned the tobacco farms - that's the farming I was referring to. What cities/towns are in "Tobacco Valley?"

Thanks again.

[sun]

It's the upper CT River Valley, generally north from Hartford to the Massachussetts border.
Windsor, East Windor, Windsor Locks, Enfield, Bloomfield among numerous other places.

[JayCT]

Tabacco was also grown in other towns like Glastonbury, South Windsor. East Hartford and Wethersfield. Not sure how much was grown in the Farmington Valley but would be surprised if it was not. It was a major crop for the area for hundreds of years. Jay