Is Castleton, VT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 27 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Castleton, VT — Water Quality Report
Castleton's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 2,826 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.6 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 198 violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 27 remain unresolved.
What to know about Castleton's water
Castleton ranks #88 out of 105 cities in Vermont for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Castleton 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, Castleton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 32 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Castleton, VT water safe to drink?
Castleton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 2,826 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Castleton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Castleton's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, Picloram.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Castleton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Castleton's water system has 198 total violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 27 remain unresolved. 32 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Rutland County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Poultney River Below Fair Haven, Mettawee River.
Where does Castleton's water come from?
Castleton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 6 water systems serving approximately 2,826 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Poultney River Below Fair Haven (river), Mettawee River (river).
What Castleton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Castleton'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.
Castleton'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 Castleton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Castleton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GE AEROSPACE PLANT 1 RUTLAND, VT05701 | — | — | 9.6 mi |
FIRST LIGHT TECHNOLOGIES INC POULTNEY, VT05764 | — | — | 6.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Rutland County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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. | 0.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Castleton compares by contaminant
Explore where Castleton ranks among all Vermont cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Castleton's water comes from
Castleton'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 2,826 people through 6 water systems.
Water bodies near Castleton
Castleton is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Castleton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CASTLETON FIRE DISTRICT 1 | VT0005212 | 1,940 | GW |
| CASTLETON FIRE DISTRICT 3 | VT0020889 | 500 | GWP |
| FORT WARREN MHP | VT0005213 | 129 | GW |
| WINDY HOLLOW | VT0005594 | 118 | GW |
| CASTLETON MEADOWS | VT0005515 | 107 | GWP |
| PARSONS HILL PARTNERSHIP | VT0005584 | 32 | GWP |
How Castleton compares
Full Vermont rankings →Castleton's score of 50/100 is below the average of 77/100 among major Vermont cities. It outscores 2 of 10 nearby cities. 8 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Vermont rankings →About Castleton, VT
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Castleton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Rutland
Frequently asked questions
Is Castleton, VT tap water safe to drink?
Castleton's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #88 out of 105 cities tested in Vermont.
What contaminants are in Castleton's water?
Lead was measured at 0.6 ppb (90th percentile). 198 violations are on record.
How is Castleton'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 Castleton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Castleton's water come from?
Castleton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 6 water systems serving approximately 2,826 residents.
What health violations has Castleton's water system had?
Castleton 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. 27 violations remain unresolved.
Is Castleton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Castleton 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 198 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 Castleton's water compare to other cities?
Castleton ranks #88 out of 105 cities in Vermont (better than 16% of state cities) and #13093 out of 15744 cities nationally (17th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.