Is Chelsea, VT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 13 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.3/100
waterverge.com Chelsea, VT — Water Quality Report
Chelsea's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 562 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.6 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 146 violations on record, including 22 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about Chelsea's water
Chelsea ranks #44 out of 105 cities in Vermont for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Chelsea 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, Chelsea may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Chelsea, VT water safe to drink?
Chelsea's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 562 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Chelsea
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Chelsea's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.3/100).
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Chelsea's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Chelsea's water system has 146 total violations on record, including 22 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
Where does Chelsea's water come from?
Chelsea's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 562 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Chelsea residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Chelsea'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Chelsea
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.
- PIKE HILL COPPER MINE8.5 mi
- ELY COPPER MINE9.4 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.
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. | 2.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Chelsea compares by contaminant
Explore where Chelsea ranks among all Vermont cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Chelsea's water comes from
Chelsea'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 562 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Chelsea
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHELSEA WATER SYSTEM | VT0005638 | 450 | GW |
| CHELSEA ELDERLY HOUSING | VT0005581 | 68 | GW |
| CHELSEA FAMILY HOUSING | VT0005582 | 44 | GW |
How Chelsea compares
Full Vermont rankings →Chelsea's score of 83.3/100 is above the average of 77/100 among major Vermont cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Vermont rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Chelsea's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Orange
Frequently asked questions
Is Chelsea, VT tap water safe to drink?
Chelsea's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #44 out of 105 cities tested in Vermont.
What contaminants are in Chelsea's water?
Lead was measured at 2.6 ppb (90th percentile). 146 violations are on record.
How is Chelsea'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 Chelsea?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Chelsea's water come from?
Chelsea's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 562 residents.
What health violations has Chelsea's water system had?
Chelsea has 22 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2019. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 13 violations remain unresolved.
Is Chelsea's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Chelsea 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 146 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 Chelsea's water compare to other cities?
Chelsea ranks #44 out of 105 cities in Vermont (better than 58% of state cities) and #6513 out of 15744 cities nationally (59th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.