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HB 5167

AN ACT CONCERNING THE DISCLOSURE OF WATER QUALITY TEST RESULTS FOR CERTAIN PRIVATE AND SEMIPUBLIC WELLS.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Saud Anwar and 4 co-sponsors

Connecticut requires private and semipublic well owners to disclose water quality test results, improving public health transparency for an unregulated water source affecting thousands.

FILE NO. 24
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Bill Summary · HB 5167

Legislative bill overview

HB 5167 requires owners of private and semipublic wells in Connecticut to disclose water quality test results to relevant parties, likely including prospective buyers, renters, or public health authorities. The bill establishes transparency requirements around well water safety testing and results documentation. This legislation appears designed to ensure that people relying on private wells have access to critical information about their water quality.

Why is this important

Private wells serve approximately 4 million Americans and are not regulated by the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Act, making disclosure requirements particularly important for public health protection. Without mandatory reporting, well owners and users may be unaware of contamination from bacteria, nitrates, heavy metals, or other pollutants that can cause serious health issues. Transparency requirements can incentivize testing, catch problems earlier, and protect vulnerable populations from health risks.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost burden on well owners: Mandatory testing and disclosure requirements could impose financial costs on private property owners, potentially creating resistance from homeowners and real estate interests
  • Privacy concerns: Some property owners may object to disclosing well test results as a matter of property rights or privacy, particularly if results reveal environmental issues affecting property values
  • Implementation ambiguity: The bill's scope regarding "semipublic" wells and enforcement mechanisms remain unclear—questions about who ensures compliance, penalties for non-disclosure, and testing frequency standards need clarification

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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