Is Jericho, VT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
66.6/100
waterverge.com Jericho, VT — Water Quality Report
Jericho's drinking water received a grade of C+ (66.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,940 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.3 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 128 violations on record, including 23 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved.
What to know about Jericho's water
Jericho ranks #75 out of 105 cities in Vermont for water quality, placing it below 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, Jericho may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 12 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Jericho, VT water safe to drink?
Jericho's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (66.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,940 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Jericho
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Jericho's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (66.6/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, E. COLI.
Contaminants: Radium-226, Radium-228.
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 Jericho's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Jericho's water system has 128 total violations on record, including 23 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved. 12 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 Winooski River.
Where does Jericho's water come from?
Jericho's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 1,940 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Winooski River (river).
What Jericho residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Jericho'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.
Jericho'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 Jericho
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Jericho, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 103,621 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GLOBALFOUNDRIES U.S. 2 LLC - VERMONT FACILITY ESSEX JUNCTION, VT05452 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 103,621 | 5.8 mi |
CHAMPLAIN CABLE CORP COLCHESTER, VT05446 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
U.S. ARMY NATIONAL GUARD ETHAN ALLEN FIRING RANGE JERICHO, VT05465 | — | — | 1.9 mi |
PIKE INDUSTRIES INC. - WILLISTON VT (P800) WILLISTON, VT05495 | — | — | 7.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Jericho
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 PLUME7.3 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Jericho'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. | 0.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 3.10 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Jericho compares by contaminant
Explore where Jericho ranks among all Vermont cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Jericho's water comes from
Jericho'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 1,940 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Jericho
Jericho is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Jericho
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| VILLAGE OF JERICHO WATER SYSTEM | VT0005077 | 1,410 | SWP |
| JERICHO EAST HOME OWNERS ASSOCIATION | VT0005652 | 300 | SWP |
| JERICHO FIRE DISTRICT 1 | VT0005476 | 190 | GW |
| JERICHO HEIGHTS WATER COOP | VT0005078 | 40 | GW |
How Jericho compares
Full Vermont rankings →Jericho's score of 66.6/100 is below the average of 77/100 among major Vermont cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Vermont rankings →About Jericho, VT
Wikipedia →Jericho is a town in Chittenden County, Vermont. The population was 5,104 in the 2020 census. The town was named after the ancient city of Jericho.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Jericho's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Chittenden
Frequently asked questions
Is Jericho, VT tap water safe to drink?
Jericho's water quality earned a grade of C+ (66.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #75 out of 105 cities tested in Vermont.
What contaminants are in Jericho's water?
Lead was measured at 0.3 ppb (90th percentile). 128 violations are on record.
How is Jericho'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 Jericho?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Jericho's water come from?
Jericho's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 1,940 residents.
What health violations has Jericho's water system had?
Jericho has 23 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.
How does Jericho's water compare to other cities?
Jericho ranks #75 out of 105 cities in Vermont (better than 29% of state cities) and #11354 out of 15744 cities nationally (28th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.