Is Fair Haven, VT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90.7/100
waterverge.com Fair Haven, VT — Water Quality Report
Fair Haven's drinking water received a grade of A (90.7 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,076 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.4 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 15 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fair Haven's water
Fair Haven ranks #18 out of 105 cities in Vermont for water quality, placing it above 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, Fair Haven may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fair Haven, VT water safe to drink?
Fair Haven's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (90.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,076 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Fair Haven
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fair Haven's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.7/100).
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: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Nitrate, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Fair Haven's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Fair Haven's water system has 15 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 2 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 Fair Haven's water come from?
Fair Haven's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,076 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Poultney River Below Fair Haven (river), Mettawee River (river).
What Fair Haven residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fair Haven'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.
Fair Haven'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 Fair Haven
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Fair Haven, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FIRST LIGHT TECHNOLOGIES INC POULTNEY, VT05764 | — | — | 5.3 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. | 2.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Fair Haven compares by contaminant
Explore where Fair Haven ranks among all Vermont cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fair Haven's water comes from
Fair Haven'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 3,076 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Fair Haven
Fair Haven is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Fair Haven
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAIR HAVEN WATER DEPT | VT0005218 | 3,076 | SW |
How Fair Haven compares
Full Vermont rankings →Fair Haven's score of 90.7/100 is above the average of 77/100 among major Vermont cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Vermont rankings →About Fair Haven, VT
Wikipedia →Fair Haven is a town in Rutland County, Vermont, United States. The population was 2,736 at the 2020 census. Within the town is located the census-designated place of Fair Haven. The town is noted for its late 19th century residential and commercial architecture.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fair Haven's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Rutland
Frequently asked questions
Is Fair Haven, VT tap water safe to drink?
Fair Haven's water quality earned a grade of A (90.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #18 out of 105 cities tested in Vermont.
What contaminants are in Fair Haven's water?
Lead was measured at 2.4 ppb (90th percentile). 15 violations are on record.
How is Fair Haven'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 Fair Haven?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fair Haven's water come from?
Fair Haven's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,076 residents.
What health violations has Fair Haven's water system had?
Fair Haven has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
How does Fair Haven's water compare to other cities?
Fair Haven ranks #18 out of 105 cities in Vermont (better than 83% of state cities) and #2077 out of 15744 cities nationally (87th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Fair Haven's small water system affect quality?
Fair Haven's system serves approximately 3,076 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 15 violations on record.