WaterVerge

Is Pittsford, VT Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

2K residents served 1 water system PWSID: VT0005225
Overall Score
92.3 / 100
Violations
2 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#10 of 105 in Vermont Top 8% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
92.3/100
waterverge.com
A 92.3/100

Pittsford, VT — Water Quality Report

Pittsford's drinking water received a grade of A (92.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,923 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 1.4 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 87 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Pittsford's water

Pittsford ranks #10 out of 105 cities in Vermont for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.

Pittsford 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, Pittsford may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
92.3 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
40.3/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 1.4 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
10/10
A
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Pittsford, VT water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Pittsford's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (92.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,923 residents using groundwater (wells).

2
Active Violations
1.4 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Pittsford

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pittsford's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.3/100).

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4720). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3595). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
20 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Chromium, Antimony, Total, Beryllium, Total.

Violation
42 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, CHLOROBENZENE, Benzene.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Pittsford's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.4 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Pittsford's water system has 87 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.

MRMCL
Most recent violations:
Jul 2015 Chromium Resolved
Jul 2015 Antimony, Total Resolved
Jul 2015 Beryllium, Total Resolved
Jul 2015 Thallium, Total Resolved
Jul 2015 Barium Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Rutland County has experienced 10 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 Otter Creek.

SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-4720
FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-3595
TROPICAL STORM HENRI
Hurricane FEMA DR-3567

Where does Pittsford's water come from?

Pittsford's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,923 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Otter Creek (river).

What Pittsford residents can do

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Pittsford'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.4 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 9% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

87
Total violations
1
Health-based
2
Active / unresolved
Jul 2015
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

87 Total
2 Active
1 Health-based
85 Resolved
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
42
Inorganic Chemicals
37
Arsenic Rule
4
Total Coliform Rule
2
Lead and Copper Rule
1
Oct 2006 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jul 2015 Resolved
Chromium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2015
Jul 2015 Resolved
Antimony, Total
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2015
Jul 2015 Resolved
Beryllium, Total
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2015
Jul 2015 Resolved
Thallium, Total
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2015
Jul 2015 Resolved
Barium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2015
Jul 2015 Resolved
Cadmium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2015
Jul 2015 Resolved
Antimony, Total
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2015
Jul 2015 Resolved
Beryllium, Total
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2015
Jul 2015 Resolved
Thallium, Total
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2015
Jul 2015 Resolved
Nickel
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2015
Jul 2015 Resolved
Arsenic
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2015
Jul 2015 Resolved
Selenium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2015
Jul 2015 Resolved
Chromium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2015
Jul 2015 Resolved
Selenium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2015
Jul 2015 Resolved
Mercury
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2015
Jul 2015 Resolved
Mercury
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2015
Jul 2015 Resolved
Nickel
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2015
Jul 2015 Resolved
Cadmium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2015
Showing 20 of 87 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Pittsford

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Pittsford, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
GE AEROSPACE PLANT 1
Transportation Equipment · GENERAL ELECTRIC CO (GE CO)
RUTLAND, VT05701
7.5 mi
QUESTECH CORP
Plastics and Rubber · NA
RUTLAND, VT05701
8.5 mi
KALOW TECHNOLOGIES
Fabricated Metals · RED DEER CAPITAL LLC
RUTLAND, VT05701
9.3 mi
GE AEROSPACE PLANT 2
Transportation Equipment · GENERAL ELECTRIC CO (GE CO)
NORTH CLARENDON, VT05759
9.9 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Jul 2023
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Rutland County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Jul 2023
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4720
Jul 2023
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #3595
Aug 2021
TROPICAL STORM HENRI
Hurricane FEMA #3567
Jun 2019
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4445
Aug 2013
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4140
Sep 2011
TROPICAL STORM IRENE
Hurricane FEMA #4022

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.4 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 6.6 ppb from 1993 (8.0 ppb) to 2025 (1.4 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,923
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Pittsford's water comes from

Groundwater

Pittsford'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 1,923 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Pittsford

Pittsford is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Otter Creek
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Pittsford

System Name PWSID Population Source
PITTSFORD FLORENCE WATER DEPT VT0005225 1,923 GW
Regional Comparison

How Pittsford compares

Full Vermont rankings →

Pittsford's score of 92.3/100 is above the average of 77/100 among major Vermont cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Pittsford (this city)
92.3
Burlington
84.6
Colchester
63.4
Essex
95
Vermont avg
77
City Profile

About Pittsford, VT

Wikipedia →

Pittsford is a town in Rutland County, Vermont, United States. As of the 2020 census, the town population was 2,862. Named for William Pitt, it has two picket forts used in the American Revolutionary War.

Economic Profile
$63,435
Median Income
$203,629
Median Home Value
$850/mo
Median Rent
3.8%
Unemployment
Community
47.8
Median Age
26
People / sq mi
29.6%
College Educated
78.8%
Homeownership
Share this reportHelp others learn about their water quality
WhatsAppXFacebookLinkedInEmail

Frequently asked questions

Is Pittsford, VT tap water safe to drink?

Pittsford's water quality earned a grade of A (92.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #10 out of 105 cities tested in Vermont.

What contaminants are in Pittsford's water?

Lead was measured at 1.4 ppb (90th percentile). 87 violations are on record.

How is Pittsford'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 Pittsford?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Pittsford's water come from?

Pittsford's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,923 residents.

What health violations has Pittsford's water system had?

Pittsford has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2015. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.

Is Pittsford's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Pittsford 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 87 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 Pittsford's water compare to other cities?

Pittsford ranks #10 out of 105 cities in Vermont (better than 90% of state cities) and #1293 out of 15744 cities nationally (92th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Pittsford's small water system affect quality?

Pittsford's system serves approximately 1,923 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 87 violations on record.