Is Dorset, VT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
81.2/100
waterverge.com Dorset, VT — Water Quality Report
Dorset's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 772 residents using groundwater.
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 141 violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Dorset's water
Dorset ranks #52 out of 105 cities in Vermont for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Dorset 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, Dorset may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Dorset, VT water safe to drink?
Dorset's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 772 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Dorset
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Dorset's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.2/100).
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.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Dorset'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
Dorset's water system has 141 total violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Bennington 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.
Where does Dorset's water come from?
Dorset's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 772 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Dorset residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Dorset'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.
Dorset'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
Bennington 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Dorset'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. | 2.32 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Dorset compares by contaminant
Explore where Dorset ranks among all Vermont cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Dorset's water comes from
Dorset'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 772 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Dorset
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DORSET FIRE DISTRICT 1 | VT0005020 | 530 | GW |
| EAST DORSET FIRE DISTRICT 1 | VT0005021 | 192 | GW |
| DORSET COMMUNITY HOUSING | VT0020990 | 50 | GW |
How Dorset compares
Full Vermont rankings →Dorset's score of 81.2/100 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 Dorset, VT
Wikipedia →Dorset is a town in Bennington County, Vermont, United States. The population was 2,133 at the 2020 census. Dorset is famous for being the location of Cephas Kent's Inn, where four meetings of the Convention that signed the Dorset Accords led to the independent Vermont Republic and future statehood. Dorset is the site of America's oldest marble quarry and is the birthplace of Bill W., co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. East Dorset is the site of the Wilson House and the Griffith Library. The town is named after the English county of Dorset.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Dorset's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bennington
Frequently asked questions
Is Dorset, VT tap water safe to drink?
Dorset's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #52 out of 105 cities tested in Vermont.
What contaminants are in Dorset's water?
Lead was measured at 2.1 ppb (90th percentile). 141 violations are on record.
How is Dorset'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 Dorset?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Dorset's water come from?
Dorset's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 772 residents.
What health violations has Dorset's water system had?
Dorset has 17 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2015. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
Is Dorset's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Dorset 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 141 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 Dorset's water compare to other cities?
Dorset ranks #52 out of 105 cities in Vermont (better than 50% of state cities) and #7574 out of 15744 cities nationally (52th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.