Is Hinesburg, VT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 14 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79.8/100
waterverge.com Hinesburg, VT — Water Quality Report
Hinesburg's drinking water received a grade of B (79.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,076 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.0 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 111 violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hinesburg's water
Hinesburg ranks #54 out of 105 cities in Vermont for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Hinesburg 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, Hinesburg may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hinesburg, VT water safe to drink?
Hinesburg's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,076 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hinesburg
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hinesburg's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.8/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform 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.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: CYANIDE, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hinesburg's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Hinesburg's water system has 111 total violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Chittenden 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 Little Otter, Little Otter Creek, Lewis Creek, Laplatte River, Winooski River.
Where does Hinesburg's water come from?
Hinesburg's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 3,076 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Little Otter (river), Little Otter Creek (river), Lewis Creek (river), Laplatte River (river), Winooski River (river).
What Hinesburg residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hinesburg'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.
Hinesburg'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 Hinesburg
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hinesburg, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PIKE INDUSTRIES INC. - WILLISTON VT (P800) WILLISTON, VT05495 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Hinesburg
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.
- COMMERCE STREET PLUME8.3 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Chittenden 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. | 5.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hinesburg compares by contaminant
Explore where Hinesburg ranks among all Vermont cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hinesburg's water comes from
Hinesburg'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 3,076 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Hinesburg
Hinesburg is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Hinesburg
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HINESBURG WATER DEPT | VT0005070 | 2,800 | GW |
| LYMAN MEADOWS | VT0020000 | 212 | GW |
| ORCHARD COMMONS | VT0020098 | 64 | GW |
How Hinesburg compares
Full Vermont rankings →Hinesburg's score of 79.8/100 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 Hinesburg, VT
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hinesburg's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Chittenden
Frequently asked questions
Is Hinesburg, VT tap water safe to drink?
Hinesburg's water quality earned a grade of B (79.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #54 out of 105 cities tested in Vermont.
What contaminants are in Hinesburg's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 111 violations are on record.
How is Hinesburg'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 Hinesburg?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hinesburg's water come from?
Hinesburg's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 3,076 residents.
What health violations has Hinesburg's water system had?
Hinesburg has 15 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 14 violations remain unresolved.
Is Hinesburg's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hinesburg 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 111 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 Hinesburg's water compare to other cities?
Hinesburg ranks #54 out of 105 cities in Vermont (better than 49% of state cities) and #8129 out of 15744 cities nationally (48th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.