Is Plainfield, VT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.4/100
waterverge.com Plainfield, VT — Water Quality Report
Plainfield's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 985 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.6 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 48 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Plainfield's water
Plainfield ranks #38 out of 105 cities in Vermont for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Plainfield 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, Plainfield may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 21 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Plainfield, VT water safe to drink?
Plainfield's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (84.4/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 985 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Plainfield
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Plainfield's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.4/100).
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: cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene, p-Dichlorobenzene, Vinyl chloride.
Contaminants: Vinyl chloride, 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, Tetrachloroethylene.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Plainfield's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Plainfield's water system has 48 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 21 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Washington 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 Winooski River, East Barre Detention Reservoir, Wrightsville Detention Reservoir @ Wrightsville.
Where does Plainfield's water come from?
Plainfield's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 985 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Winooski River (river), East Barre Detention Reservoir (lake), Wrightsville Detention Reservoir @ Wrightsville (lake).
What Plainfield residents can do
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.
Plainfield'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
Washington 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. | 2.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Plainfield compares by contaminant
Explore where Plainfield ranks among all Vermont cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Plainfield's water comes from
Plainfield'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 985 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Plainfield
Plainfield is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Plainfield
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLAINFIELD WATER SYSTEM | VT0005277 | 985 | GW |
How Plainfield compares
Full Vermont rankings →Plainfield's score of 84.4/100 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 Plainfield, VT
Wikipedia →Plainfield, a town in Washington County, Vermont, United States was incorporated in 1867. The population was 1,236 at the 2020 census. Plainfield was the location of Goddard College.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Plainfield's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Washington
Frequently asked questions
Is Plainfield, VT tap water safe to drink?
Plainfield's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #38 out of 105 cities tested in Vermont.
What contaminants are in Plainfield's water?
Lead was measured at 2.6 ppb (90th percentile). 48 violations are on record.
How is Plainfield'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 Plainfield?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Plainfield's water come from?
Plainfield's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 985 residents.
Is Plainfield's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Plainfield 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 48 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 Plainfield's water compare to other cities?
Plainfield ranks #38 out of 105 cities in Vermont (better than 64% of state cities) and #5935 out of 15744 cities nationally (62th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Plainfield's small water system affect quality?
Plainfield's system serves approximately 985 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 48 violations on record.