Is Pownal, VT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
51.2/100
waterverge.com Pownal, VT — Water Quality Report
Pownal's drinking water received a grade of D+ (51.2 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 980 residents using groundwater.
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 300 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pownal's water
Pownal ranks #87 out of 105 cities in Vermont for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Pownal 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, Pownal may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 15 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pownal, VT water safe to drink?
Pownal's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (51.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 980 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Pownal
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pownal's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (51.2/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U, Nitrate.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Pownal'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
Pownal's water system has 300 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved. 15 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Bennington 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 North Branch Hoosic River, Hoosic River, Green River, Walloomsac River.
Where does Pownal's water come from?
Pownal's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 980 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include North Branch Hoosic River (river), Hoosic River (river), Green River (river), Walloomsac River (river).
What Pownal residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pownal'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.
Pownal'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 Pownal
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Pownal, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TANSITOR ELECTRONICS INC BENNINGTON, VT05201 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
HOLLAND CO ADAMS, MA01220 | — | — | 10.0 mi |
TONOGA INC DBA TACONIC PETERSBURGH, NY12138 | — | — | 6.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Pownal
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- POWNAL TANNERY2.7 mi
- JARD COMPANY INC8.8 mi
- BURGESS BROTHERS LANDFILL8.9 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Bennington 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Pownal'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 18.60 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Pownal compares by contaminant
Explore where Pownal ranks among all Vermont cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pownal's water comes from
Pownal'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 980 people through 5 water systems.
Water bodies near Pownal
Pownal is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Pownal
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| POWNAL FIRE DISTRICT 2 | VT0020734 | 682 | GW |
| LAMPMAN WATER SYSTEM | VT0005026 | 133 | GW |
| POWNAL FIRE DISTRICT 3 | VT0005517 | 60 | GWP |
| ROYAL PINE VILLA | VT0005027 | 55 | GW |
| EVERGREEN MHP | VT0005645 | 50 | GW |
How Pownal compares
Full Vermont rankings →Pownal's score of 51.2/100 is below the average of 77/100 among major Vermont cities. It outscores 2 of 10 nearby cities. 8 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Vermont rankings →About Pownal, VT
Wikipedia →Pownal is a town in Bennington County, Vermont, United States. As of the 2020 census, the town population was 3,258. The town of Pownal includes the villages of Pownal, North Pownal, and Pownal Center.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pownal's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bennington
Frequently asked questions
Is Pownal, VT tap water safe to drink?
Pownal's water quality earned a grade of D+ (51.2/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #87 out of 105 cities tested in Vermont.
What contaminants are in Pownal's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 300 violations are on record.
How is Pownal'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 Pownal?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pownal's water come from?
Pownal's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 980 residents.
What health violations has Pownal's water system had?
Pownal has 10 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. 28 violations remain unresolved.
Is Pownal's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Pownal 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 300 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 Pownal's water compare to other cities?
Pownal ranks #87 out of 105 cities in Vermont (better than 17% of state cities) and #12902 out of 15744 cities nationally (18th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.