Is Cambridge, VT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
67.1/100
waterverge.com Cambridge, VT — Water Quality Report
Cambridge's drinking water received a grade of C+ (67.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,922 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.1 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 139 violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cambridge's water
Cambridge ranks #73 out of 105 cities in Vermont for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cambridge, VT water safe to drink?
Cambridge's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (67.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,922 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Cambridge
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cambridge's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (67.1/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4816). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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 Cambridge's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Cambridge's water system has 139 total violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lamoille County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1996. 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 W Branch Little R, Ranch Brook, Lamoille River.
Where does Cambridge's water come from?
Cambridge's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 3,922 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include W Branch Little R (river), Ranch Brook (river), Lamoille River (river).
What Cambridge residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cambridge'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.
Cambridge'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
Flood & disaster history
Lamoille County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1996. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Cambridge'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. | 2.1 | 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. | 1.50 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cambridge compares by contaminant
Explore where Cambridge ranks among all Vermont cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cambridge's water comes from
Cambridge's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 3,922 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Cambridge
Cambridge is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Cambridge
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMUGGLERS NOTCH WATER SYSTEM | VT0005151 | 2,960 | SW |
| JEFFERSONVILLE WATER SYSTEM | VT0005150 | 700 | GW |
| CAMBRIDGE VILLAGE WATER | VT0005149 | 262 | GW |
How Cambridge compares
Full Vermont rankings →Cambridge's score of 67.1/100 is below the average of 77/100 among major Vermont cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Vermont rankings →About Cambridge, VT
Wikipedia →Jeffersonville is a village in the town of Cambridge, Vermont, United States. The population was 750 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cambridge's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lamoille
Frequently asked questions
Is Cambridge, VT tap water safe to drink?
Cambridge's water quality earned a grade of C+ (67.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #73 out of 105 cities tested in Vermont.
What contaminants are in Cambridge's water?
Lead was measured at 2.1 ppb (90th percentile). 139 violations are on record.
How is Cambridge'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 Cambridge?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cambridge's water come from?
Cambridge's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 3,922 residents.
What health violations has Cambridge's water system had?
Cambridge has 13 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. 18 violations remain unresolved.
How does Cambridge's water compare to other cities?
Cambridge ranks #73 out of 105 cities in Vermont (better than 30% of state cities) and #11272 out of 15744 cities nationally (28th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.