Is Johnson, VT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82.7/100
waterverge.com Johnson, VT — Water Quality Report
Johnson's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,425 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.2 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 139 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Johnson's water
Johnson ranks #47 out of 105 cities in Vermont for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Johnson 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, Johnson may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Johnson, VT water safe to drink?
Johnson's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,425 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Johnson
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Johnson's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.7/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, E. COLI.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4816). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4720). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Johnson's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Johnson's water system has 139 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lamoille County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1996. 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 W Branch Little R, Ranch Brook, Lamoille River.
Where does Johnson's water come from?
Johnson's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,425 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include W Branch Little R (river), Ranch Brook (river), Lamoille River (river).
What Johnson residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Johnson'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.
Johnson'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
Lamoille County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1996. 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. | 1.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Johnson compares by contaminant
Explore where Johnson ranks among all Vermont cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Johnson's water comes from
Johnson'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 1,425 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Johnson
Johnson is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Johnson
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| JOHNSON VILLAGE WATER DEPT | VT0005156 | 1,350 | GW |
| MOUNTAIN VIEW MHP | VT0005155 | 75 | GW |
How Johnson compares
Full Vermont rankings →Johnson's score of 82.7/100 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 Johnson, VT
Wikipedia →Johnson is a town in Lamoille County, Vermont, United States. The population was 3,491 at the 2020 census. The town is home to Northern Vermont University-Johnson, a part the Vermont State Colleges system. The Vermont Studio Center is located in the village of Johnson. Since 1842, the town has been the home to Johnson Woolen Mills.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Johnson's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lamoille
Frequently asked questions
Is Johnson, VT tap water safe to drink?
Johnson's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #47 out of 105 cities tested in Vermont.
What contaminants are in Johnson's water?
Lead was measured at 1.2 ppb (90th percentile). 139 violations are on record.
How is Johnson'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 Johnson?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Johnson's water come from?
Johnson's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,425 residents.
What health violations has Johnson's water system had?
Johnson has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Johnson's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Johnson 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 139 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 Johnson's water compare to other cities?
Johnson ranks #47 out of 105 cities in Vermont (better than 55% of state cities) and #6828 out of 15744 cities nationally (57th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.