Is East Montpelier, VT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C-, with 23 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
56.8/100
waterverge.com East Montpelier, VT — Water Quality Report
East Montpelier's drinking water received a grade of C- (56.8 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 530 residents using groundwater.
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 244 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved.
What to know about East Montpelier's water
East Montpelier ranks #84 out of 105 cities in Vermont for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
East Montpelier 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, East Montpelier may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 14 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is East Montpelier, VT water safe to drink?
East Montpelier's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (56.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 530 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for East Montpelier
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into East Montpelier's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (56.8/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
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 East Montpelier's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
East Montpelier's water system has 244 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved. 14 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Washington 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 East Barre Detention Reservoir, Wrightsville Detention Reservoir @ Wrightsville, North Branch Winooski River, Winooski River, Dog River.
Where does East Montpelier's water come from?
East Montpelier's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 530 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include East Barre Detention Reservoir (lake), Wrightsville Detention Reservoir @ Wrightsville (lake), North Branch Winooski River (river), Winooski River (river), Dog River (river).
What East Montpelier residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in East Montpelier'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.
East Montpelier'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
Washington 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 East Montpelier compares by contaminant
Explore where East Montpelier ranks among all Vermont cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where East Montpelier's water comes from
East Montpelier'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 private ownership and serves approximately 530 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near East Montpelier
East Montpelier is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving East Montpelier
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRYSTAL SPRINGS WATER SYSTEM | VT0005264 | 300 | GW |
| NORTHWOODS VILLAGE APARTMENTS | VT0021515 | 130 | GWP |
| SANDY PINES MHP | VT0005267 | 100 | GW |
How East Montpelier compares
Full Vermont rankings →East Montpelier's score of 56.8/100 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 East Montpelier, VT
Wikipedia →Montpelier is the capital city of the U.S. state of Vermont and the county seat of Washington County. The site of Vermont's state government, it is the least populous state capital in the United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 8,074, with a daytime population growth of about 21,000 due to the large number of jobs within city limits. The Vermont College of Fine Arts is located in the municipality. It was named after Montpellier, a city in the south of France.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to East Montpelier's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Washington
Frequently asked questions
Is East Montpelier, VT tap water safe to drink?
East Montpelier's water quality earned a grade of C- (56.8/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #84 out of 105 cities tested in Vermont.
What contaminants are in East Montpelier's water?
Lead was measured at 1.2 ppb (90th percentile). 244 violations are on record.
How is East Montpelier'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 East Montpelier?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does East Montpelier's water come from?
East Montpelier's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 530 residents.
What health violations has East Montpelier's water system had?
East Montpelier has 4 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. 23 violations remain unresolved.
Is East Montpelier's groundwater at risk of contamination?
East Montpelier 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 244 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 East Montpelier's water compare to other cities?
East Montpelier ranks #84 out of 105 cities in Vermont (better than 20% of state cities) and #12427 out of 15744 cities nationally (21th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.