Is Lunenburg, VT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
83.7/100
waterverge.com Lunenburg, VT — Water Quality Report
Lunenburg's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 650 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.1 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 90 violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lunenburg's water
Lunenburg ranks #39 out of 105 cities in Vermont for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Lunenburg 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, Lunenburg may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lunenburg, VT water safe to drink?
Lunenburg's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 650 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lunenburg
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lunenburg's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4826). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4720). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Radium-226, Radium-228.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lunenburg'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
Lunenburg's water system has 90 total violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Essex County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1989. 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 Connecticut River.
Where does Lunenburg's water come from?
Lunenburg's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 650 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Connecticut River (river).
What Lunenburg residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lunenburg'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.
Lunenburg'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 Lunenburg
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lunenburg, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FITCH FUEL CO INC. LANCASTER, NH03584 | — | — | 6.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Essex County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1989. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Lunenburg'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. | 2.1 | 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. | 1.77 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.770 mg/L (2006)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Lunenburg compares by contaminant
Explore where Lunenburg ranks among all Vermont cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lunenburg's water comes from
Lunenburg'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 650 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Lunenburg
Lunenburg is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Lunenburg
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LUNENBURG FIRE DISTRICT 2 | VT0005113 | 400 | GW |
| LUNENBURG FIRE DISTRICT 1 | VT0005112 | 250 | GW |
How Lunenburg compares
Full Vermont rankings →Lunenburg's score of 83.7/100 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 Lunenburg, VT
Wikipedia →Lunenburg is a town in Essex County, Vermont, United States. The population was 1,246 at the 2020 census, the most populous in Essex County. Lunenburg contains the villages of Lunenburg and Gilman and hamlets of West Lunenburg, South Lunenburg, and Mill Village, and is part of the Berlin, NH –VT Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lunenburg's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Essex
Frequently asked questions
Is Lunenburg, VT tap water safe to drink?
Lunenburg's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #39 out of 105 cities tested in Vermont.
What contaminants are in Lunenburg's water?
Lead was measured at 2.1 ppb (90th percentile). 90 violations are on record.
How is Lunenburg'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 Lunenburg?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lunenburg's water come from?
Lunenburg's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 650 residents.
What health violations has Lunenburg's water system had?
Lunenburg has 15 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lunenburg's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lunenburg 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 90 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 Lunenburg's water compare to other cities?
Lunenburg ranks #39 out of 105 cities in Vermont (better than 63% of state cities) and #6313 out of 15744 cities nationally (60th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.