Is Bradford, VT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.7/100
waterverge.com Bradford, VT — Water Quality Report
Bradford's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,512 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 8.5 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 133 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bradford's water
Bradford ranks #33 out of 105 cities in Vermont for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Bradford 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, Bradford may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bradford, VT water safe to drink?
Bradford's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,512 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bradford
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bradford's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4720). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3595). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Chlorine, Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bradford'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.
Violation history
Bradford's water system has 133 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Orange 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.
Where does Bradford's water come from?
Bradford's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,512 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Bradford residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bradford'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.
Bradford'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 Bradford
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bradford, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
RENEWABLE FUELS BY PETERSON LLC NORTH HAVERHILL, NH03774 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Bradford
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- ELY COPPER MINE9.3 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtOrange County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Orange 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 Bradford'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. | 8.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bradford compares by contaminant
Explore where Bradford ranks among all Vermont cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bradford's water comes from
Bradford'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 1,512 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Bradford
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BRADFORD VILLAGE WATER SYSTEM | VT0005170 | 1,512 | GW |
How Bradford compares
Full Vermont rankings →Bradford's score of 84.7/100 is above the average of 77/100 among major Vermont cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Vermont rankings →About Bradford, VT
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bradford's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Orange
Frequently asked questions
Is Bradford, VT tap water safe to drink?
Bradford's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #33 out of 105 cities tested in Vermont.
What contaminants are in Bradford's water?
Lead was measured at 8.5 ppb (90th percentile). 133 violations are on record.
How is Bradford'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 Bradford?
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 Bradford's water come from?
Bradford's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,512 residents.
What health violations has Bradford's water system had?
Bradford has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2013. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Bradford's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bradford 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 133 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 Bradford's water compare to other cities?
Bradford ranks #33 out of 105 cities in Vermont (better than 69% of state cities) and #5738 out of 15744 cities nationally (64th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Bradford's small water system affect quality?
Bradford's system serves approximately 1,512 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 133 violations on record.