Is Fairlee, VT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
94.2/100
waterverge.com Fairlee, VT — Water Quality Report
Fairlee's drinking water received a grade of A (94.2 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 967 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 5 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Fairlee's water
Fairlee ranks #5 out of 105 cities in Vermont for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Fairlee 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, Fairlee may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fairlee, VT water safe to drink?
Fairlee's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (94.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 967 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Fairlee
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fairlee's water quality assessment. Grade: A (94.2/100).
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).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Fairlee's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Fairlee's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Orange County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1992. 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 Ompompanoosuc River.
Where does Fairlee's water come from?
Fairlee's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 967 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Ompompanoosuc River (river).
What Fairlee residents can do
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.
Fairlee'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
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Fairlee
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.
- ELY COPPER MINE6.7 mi
- ELIZABETH MINE9.7 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.
Flood & disaster history
Orange County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1992. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Fairlee compares by contaminant
Explore where Fairlee ranks among all Vermont cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fairlee's water comes from
Fairlee'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 967 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Fairlee
Fairlee is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Fairlee
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAIRLEE TOWN WATER | VT0005174 | 967 | GW |
How Fairlee compares
Full Vermont rankings →Fairlee's score of 94.2/100 is above the average of 77/100 among major Vermont cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Vermont rankings →About Fairlee, VT
Wikipedia →Fairlee is a town in Orange County, Vermont, United States. The population was 988 at the 2020 census. It includes the village of Ely. Fairlee is home to Lake Morey, which claims to have the longest ice skating trail in the United States.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fairlee's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Orange
Frequently asked questions
Is Fairlee, VT tap water safe to drink?
Fairlee's water quality earned a grade of A (94.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #5 out of 105 cities tested in Vermont.
What contaminants are in Fairlee's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is Fairlee'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 Fairlee?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fairlee's water come from?
Fairlee's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 967 residents.
What health violations has Fairlee's water system had?
Fairlee has 2 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. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Fairlee's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Fairlee 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 5 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 Fairlee's water compare to other cities?
Fairlee ranks #5 out of 105 cities in Vermont (better than 95% of state cities) and #588 out of 15744 cities nationally (96th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Fairlee's small water system affect quality?
Fairlee's system serves approximately 967 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 5 violations on record.