News

NEW HAVEN, CT – The Regional Water Authority (RWA), together with the City of New Haven Police and Department of Health, warn residents to beware of door-to-door water quality scams reportedly happening in the city. On Monday, the RWA received information of a private company targeting residents in New Haven and offering free ‘water quality tests’ to convince neighbors their water was not fit to drink. Allegedly the next step was to use high-pressure sales tactics to encourage the resident to purchase a filtration system for thousands of dollars. In addition, it was reported that individuals who could not pay for the system upfront were encouraged to finance the charges on a monthly basis.

“There are few things as important to our public health as the availability of reliable, high-quality drinking water. At the RWA, we take responsibility for distributing safe water to consumers’ taps very seriously,” said Tom Barger, RWA Water Quality Manager. “Water filtration systems are a matter of personal preference but not required as RWA water meets or is better than all state and federal water quality standards.”

City of New Haven Health Director Maritza Bond added, “The New Haven Health Department currently has no complaints or reported illness due to water quality. The Regional Water Authority assures us that the water quality meets the EPA’s standards for human consumption.”

The city reminds residents that water filtration units requiring alterations to the plumbing system need to be performed by a licensed plumber. Additionally, the RWA and New Haven Police Departments offer tips to avoid being scammed:
• You have the right to refuse to open your door to anyone
• Always check credentials and identification
• Watch out for pressure tactics as this may be a sign of a scam
• Never sign a contract at the door; instead, ask for the company’s contact information
• If it seems suspicious, call the police

During this Drinking Water Week (May 1-7), the RWA is issuing its annual water quality report to its consumers. The Consumers’ Annual Report on Water Quality provides information about drinking water sources, shows water quality test results for 2021, and contains other important information about water and health. If residents have questions about water quality, they can find more information at rwater.com or call the RWA at 203-562-4020.

About the Regional Water Authority
Trusted since 1849, the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority (RWA) is a nonprofit water utility and environmental services corporation that makes life better for people by providing high-quality
water and services to almost 430,000 people in 15 cities and towns throughout Greater New Haven. As a conscious business, the RWA acts as a responsible steward of the environment by protecting the more than 27,000 acres of watershed land it owns and promoting sustainable practices. Our employees work toward our vision of being an innovative water utility that sustains life, strengthens communities, and protects natural resources for future generations. For more information on the RWA, please visit rwater.com.