Drinking Water and Private Wells

Drinking Water in the Pomperaug River Watershed

Communities need clean water to be vibrant, healthy and sustainable. Lucky for us, the Pomperaug River flows through the heart of our community. This beautiful river is supported by numerous tributaries including the Nonnewaug and Weekeepeemee Rivers, by the underground aquifer, as well as by the land that encompasses these water resources. Together, these resources make up the 90-square mile Pomperaug Watershed which flows into the Housatonic River and eventually to the Long Island Sound.

One of the most important geological features of the Pomperaug Watershed is its underlying stratified-drift aquifer - the main source of drinking water in the region. Many residents of Woodbury, Southbury and Bethlehem and neighboring communities receive their water from the Pomperaug Aquifer. The Pomperaug Aquifer is made up of layers of sand and gravel (once deposited by glaciers) that help filter and purify the water. While water from this source is abundant, it is not unlimited. Additionally, the quality of water in the aquifer cannot be taken for granted, as residential growth, land use, and development continue to challenge the health of the watershed.

Households that receive water from public supply wells – like those in Woodbury (Aquarion Water Company), Southbury (Heritage Village Water Company), and Watertown (Watertown Fire District) – can rest assured that their drinking water is being tested on a regular basis and that it meets strict public health criteria established by the Safe Drinking Water Act (enforced by the US Environmental Protection Agency). However, residents and businesses that draw their water from private wells are responsible for testing their water. Under local public health laws, new private wells must be permitted and pass inspection and potability testing. After that private well owners have the sole responsibility for testing the quality of their own drinking water and maintaining their own wells, which can be a real mystery. See the resources below to learn more about the Pomperaug aquifer, public water supplies, and how to test and maintain private drinking water wells.