Is North Hero, VT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.4/100
waterverge.com North Hero, VT — Water Quality Report
North Hero's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,750 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 74 violations on record, including 36 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about North Hero's water
North Hero ranks #28 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.
As a small community water system, North Hero may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is North Hero, VT water safe to drink?
North Hero's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,750 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for North Hero
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into North Hero's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.4/100).
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: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for North Hero's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
North Hero's water system has 74 total violations on record, including 36 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
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 Little Chazy River, Mill River, Jewett Brook.
Where does North Hero's water come from?
North Hero's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,750 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Little Chazy River (river), Mill River (river), Jewett Brook (river).
What North Hero residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in North Hero'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.
North Hero'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.
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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how North Hero compares by contaminant
Explore where North Hero ranks among all Vermont cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where North Hero's water comes from
North Hero'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 2,750 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near North Hero
North Hero is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving North Hero
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NORTH HERO WATER SYSTEM | VT0020562 | 2,750 | SW |
How North Hero compares
Full Vermont rankings →North Hero's score of 86.4/100 is above the average of 77/100 among major Vermont cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Vermont rankings →About North Hero, VT
Wikipedia →North Hero is a town in and the shire town of Grand Isle County, Vermont, United States. The population was 939 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to North Hero's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Grand Isle
Frequently asked questions
Is North Hero, VT tap water safe to drink?
North Hero's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #28 out of 105 cities tested in Vermont.
What contaminants are in North Hero's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 74 violations are on record.
How is North Hero'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 North Hero?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does North Hero's water come from?
North Hero's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,750 residents.
What health violations has North Hero's water system had?
North Hero has 36 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2013. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
How does North Hero's water compare to other cities?
North Hero ranks #28 out of 105 cities in Vermont (better than 73% of state cities) and #4710 out of 15744 cities nationally (70th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does North Hero's small water system affect quality?
North Hero's system serves approximately 2,750 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 74 violations on record.