Is Grand Isle, VT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82.4/100
waterverge.com Grand Isle, VT — Water Quality Report
Grand Isle's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,678 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 6.3 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 54 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Grand Isle's water
Grand Isle ranks #48 out of 105 cities in Vermont for water quality, placing it mid-range 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Grand Isle may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Grand Isle, VT water safe to drink?
Grand Isle's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,678 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Grand Isle
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Grand Isle's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.4/100).
Contaminants: Radium-228, Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U, Radium-226.
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: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Grand Isle's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Grand Isle's water system has 54 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Grand Isle County has experienced 7 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 Mill River, Jewett Brook.
Where does Grand Isle's water come from?
Grand Isle's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,678 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Mill River (river), Jewett Brook (river).
What Grand Isle residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Grand Isle'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Grand Isle'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
Grand Isle County has experienced 7 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 Grand Isle'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. | 6.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Grand Isle compares by contaminant
Explore where Grand Isle ranks among all Vermont cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Grand Isle's water comes from
Grand Isle'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 2,678 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Grand Isle
Grand Isle 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 Grand Isle
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRAND ISLE CONSOLIDATED WATER DISTRICT | VT0020614 | 1,600 | SW |
| GRAND ISLE FIRE DISTRICT 4 | VT0005139 | 1,078 | SW |
How Grand Isle compares
Full Vermont rankings →Grand Isle's score of 82.4/100 is above 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 Grand Isle, VT
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Grand Isle's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Grand Isle
Frequently asked questions
Is Grand Isle, VT tap water safe to drink?
Grand Isle's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #48 out of 105 cities tested in Vermont.
What contaminants are in Grand Isle's water?
Lead was measured at 6.3 ppb (90th percentile). 54 violations are on record.
How is Grand Isle'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 Grand Isle?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Grand Isle's water come from?
Grand Isle's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,678 residents.
What health violations has Grand Isle's water system had?
Grand Isle has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
How does Grand Isle's water compare to other cities?
Grand Isle ranks #48 out of 105 cities in Vermont (better than 54% of state cities) and #6986 out of 15744 cities nationally (56th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.