Is Derby, VT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 12 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79.6/100
waterverge.com Derby, VT — Water Quality Report
Derby's drinking water received a grade of B (79.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 2,833 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.2 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 94 violations on record, including 26 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Derby's water
Derby ranks #55 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.
As a small community water system, Derby may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Derby, VT water safe to drink?
Derby's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 2,833 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Derby
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Derby's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.6/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4826). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4720). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Derby's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Derby's water system has 94 total violations on record, including 26 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Orleans 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 Lake Memphremagog, Black River, Barton River, Clyde River.
Where does Derby's water come from?
Derby's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 2,833 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Lake Memphremagog (lake), Black River (river), Barton River (river), Clyde River (river).
What Derby residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Derby'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.
Derby'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
Orleans 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.
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. | 1.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Derby compares by contaminant
Explore where Derby ranks among all Vermont cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Derby's water comes from
Derby'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 2,833 people through 5 water systems.
Water bodies near Derby
Derby is located near 4 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Derby
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DERBY CENTER WATER SYSTEM | VT0005195 | 1,400 | SW |
| DERBY LINE VILLAGE WATER DISTRICT | VT0020568 | 897 | GW |
| DERBY MHP | VT0020744 | 265 | SWP |
| BEEBE PLAIN WATER SYSTEM | VT0005625 | 142 | GWP |
| SHATTUCK HILL MHP | VT0020737 | 129 | SWP |
How Derby compares
Full Vermont rankings →Derby's score of 79.6/100 is on par with 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 →About Derby, VT
Wikipedia →Derby is a town in Orleans County, Vermont, United States. The population was 4,579 at the 2020 census, making it the most populous community in Orleans County. The town contains four unincorporated villages: Beebe Plain, Clyde Pond, Lake Salem, and North Derby, and two incorporated villages: Derby Center and Derby Line.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Derby's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Orleans
Frequently asked questions
Is Derby, VT tap water safe to drink?
Derby's water quality earned a grade of B (79.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #55 out of 105 cities tested in Vermont.
What contaminants are in Derby's water?
Lead was measured at 1.2 ppb (90th percentile). 94 violations are on record.
How is Derby'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 Derby?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Derby's water come from?
Derby's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 2,833 residents.
What health violations has Derby's water system had?
Derby has 26 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 12 violations remain unresolved.
How does Derby's water compare to other cities?
Derby ranks #55 out of 105 cities in Vermont (better than 48% of state cities) and #8190 out of 15744 cities nationally (48th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.