Is Barnet, VT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
42/100
waterverge.com Barnet, VT — Water Quality Report
Barnet's drinking water received a grade of F (42 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 661 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 8.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 293 violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 33 remain unresolved.
What to know about Barnet's water
Barnet ranks #102 out of 105 cities in Vermont for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Barnet relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Barnet may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 17 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Barnet, VT water safe to drink?
Barnet's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (42/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 661 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Barnet
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Barnet's water quality assessment. Grade: F (42/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4826). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4720). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Barnet's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Barnet's water system has 293 total violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 33 remain unresolved. 17 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Caledonia County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1992. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Sleepers River (Site W-5), Passumpsic River, Ammonoosuc River Below Lisbon Dam,, Connecticut River, Wells River.
Where does Barnet's water come from?
Barnet's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 661 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Sleepers River (Site W-5) (river), Passumpsic River (river), Ammonoosuc River Below Lisbon Dam, (river), Connecticut River (river), Wells River (river).
What Barnet residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Barnet's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Barnet's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Barnet
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Barnet, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FAIRBANKS SCALES INC SAINT JOHNSBURY, VT05819 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
PIKE INDUSTRIES INC. - WATERFORD VT (P702 & C603) SAINT JOHNSBURY, VT05819 | — | — | 7.4 mi |
NEW ENGLAND WIRE TECHNOLOGIES LISBON, NH03585 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Caledonia County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1992. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Barnet's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 8.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 2.13 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Barnet compares by contaminant
Explore where Barnet ranks among all Vermont cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Barnet's water comes from
Barnet's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 661 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Barnet
Barnet is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Barnet
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BARNET FIRE DISTRICT #2 | VT0005029 | 205 | GW |
| MCINDOE FALLS FIRE DISTRICT 3 | VT0005441 | 176 | SW |
| PASSUMPSIC FIRE DISTRICT 1 | VT0005031 | 140 | SWP |
| KARME CHOLING | VT0005537 | 140 | GW |
How Barnet compares
Full Vermont rankings →Barnet's score of 42/100 is below the average of 77/100 among major Vermont cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Vermont rankings →About Barnet, VT
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Barnet's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Caledonia
Frequently asked questions
Is Barnet, VT tap water safe to drink?
Barnet's water quality earned a grade of F (42/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #102 out of 105 cities tested in Vermont.
What contaminants are in Barnet's water?
Lead was measured at 8.0 ppb (90th percentile). 293 violations are on record.
How is Barnet's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Barnet?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Barnet's water come from?
Barnet's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 661 residents.
What health violations has Barnet's water system had?
Barnet has 20 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 33 violations remain unresolved.
Is Barnet's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Barnet uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 293 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Barnet's water compare to other cities?
Barnet ranks #102 out of 105 cities in Vermont (better than 3% of state cities) and #14923 out of 15744 cities nationally (5th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.