Is Bristol, VT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91.7/100
waterverge.com Bristol, VT — Water Quality Report
Bristol's drinking water received a grade of A (91.7 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,103 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.9 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 38 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bristol's water
Bristol ranks #14 out of 105 cities in Vermont for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Bristol 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.
As a small community water system, Bristol may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bristol, VT water safe to drink?
Bristol's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (91.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,103 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bristol
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bristol's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4744). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4720). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bristol's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bristol's water system has 38 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Addison County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1976. 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 Otter Creek, New Haven River @ Brooksville, Nr Middlebury, Little Otter.
Where does Bristol's water come from?
Bristol's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,103 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Otter Creek (river), New Haven River @ Brooksville, Nr Middlebury (river), Little Otter (river).
What Bristol residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bristol'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.
Bristol'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 Bristol
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bristol, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PIKE INDUSTRIES INC. - NEW HAVEN (C600 & P736) NEW HAVEN, VT05472 | — | — | 5.7 mi |
SIMMONDS PRECISION PRODUCTS INC. VERGENNES, VT05491 | — | — | 8.7 mi |
AGRI-MARK INC MIDDLEBURY, VT05753 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Addison County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1976. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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. | 1.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bristol compares by contaminant
Explore where Bristol ranks among all Vermont cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bristol's water comes from
Bristol'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 2,103 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Bristol
Bristol is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Bristol
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BRISTOL WATER DEPT | VT0005002 | 2,103 | GW |
How Bristol compares
Full Vermont rankings →Bristol's score of 91.7/100 is above the average of 77/100 among major Vermont cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Vermont rankings →About Bristol, VT
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bristol's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Addison
Frequently asked questions
Is Bristol, VT tap water safe to drink?
Bristol's water quality earned a grade of A (91.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #14 out of 105 cities tested in Vermont.
What contaminants are in Bristol's water?
Lead was measured at 1.9 ppb (90th percentile). 38 violations are on record.
How is Bristol'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 Bristol?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bristol's water come from?
Bristol's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,103 residents.
What health violations has Bristol's water system had?
Bristol has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2016. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Bristol's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bristol 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 38 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 Bristol's water compare to other cities?
Bristol ranks #14 out of 105 cities in Vermont (better than 87% of state cities) and #1534 out of 15744 cities nationally (90th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Bristol's small water system affect quality?
Bristol's system serves approximately 2,103 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 38 violations on record.