Is Plymouth, VT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
32/100
waterverge.com Plymouth, VT — Water Quality Report
Plymouth's drinking water received a grade of F (32 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 574 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 47.6 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 359 violations on record, including 27 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved.
What to know about Plymouth's water
Plymouth ranks #104 out of 105 cities in Vermont for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Plymouth 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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Plymouth may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 47 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Plymouth, VT water safe to drink?
Plymouth's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (32/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 574 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Plymouth
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Plymouth's water quality assessment. Grade: F (32/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate, Endrin, BHC-GAMMA.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Plymouth's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Plymouth's water system has 359 total violations on record, including 27 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved. 47 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Plymouth's water come from?
Plymouth's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 574 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Plymouth residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Plymouth'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtWindsor County is currently in D2 (severe drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Plymouth'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. | 47.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Plymouth compares by contaminant
Explore where Plymouth ranks among all Vermont cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Plymouth's water comes from
Plymouth'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 private ownership and serves approximately 574 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Plymouth
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEDGES SYSTEM 1 | VT0005598 | 252 | GW |
| ROUND TOP | VT0005462 | 240 | GW |
| BIRCH LANDING CONDOMINIUM | VT0020790 | 82 | GW |
How Plymouth compares
Full Vermont rankings →Plymouth's score of 32/100 is below the average of 77/100 among major Vermont cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Vermont rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Plymouth's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Windsor
Frequently asked questions
Is Plymouth, VT tap water safe to drink?
Plymouth's water quality earned a grade of F (32/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #104 out of 105 cities tested in Vermont.
What contaminants are in Plymouth's water?
Lead was measured at 47.6 ppb (90th percentile). 359 violations are on record.
How is Plymouth'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 Plymouth?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Plymouth's water come from?
Plymouth's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 574 residents.
What health violations has Plymouth's water system had?
Plymouth has 27 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 24 violations remain unresolved.
Is Plymouth's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Plymouth 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 359 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 Plymouth's water compare to other cities?
Plymouth ranks #104 out of 105 cities in Vermont (better than 1% of state cities) and #15646 out of 15744 cities nationally (1th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.