Is Proctor, VT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
67.7/100
waterverge.com Proctor, VT — Water Quality Report
Proctor's drinking water received a grade of C+ (67.7 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,000 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.3 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 139 violations on record, including 67 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Proctor's water
Proctor ranks #72 out of 105 cities in Vermont for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Proctor 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, Proctor may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 24 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Proctor, VT water safe to drink?
Proctor's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of C+ (67.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,000 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Proctor
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Proctor's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (67.7/100).
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: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: CYANIDE, 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Proctor'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
Proctor's water system has 139 total violations on record, including 67 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 24 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
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.
Where does Proctor's water come from?
Proctor's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,000 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 Proctor 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Proctor'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 Proctor
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Proctor, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GE AEROSPACE PLANT 1 RUTLAND, VT05701 | — | — | 5.5 mi |
QUESTECH CORP RUTLAND, VT05701 | — | — | 6.6 mi |
ISOVOLTA/U.S. SAMICA RUTLAND, VT05701 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
KALOW TECHNOLOGIES RUTLAND, VT05701 | — | — | 7.5 mi |
GE AEROSPACE PLANT 2 NORTH CLARENDON, VT05759 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Proctor'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. | 4.3 | 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. | 1.61 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.610 mg/L (1994)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Proctor compares by contaminant
Explore where Proctor ranks among all Vermont cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Proctor's water comes from
Proctor'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 2,000 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Proctor
Proctor is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Proctor
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PROCTOR WATER DEPT | VT0005228 | 2,000 | GW |
How Proctor compares
Full Vermont rankings →Proctor's score of 67.7/100 is below the average of 77/100 among major Vermont cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Vermont rankings →About Proctor, VT
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Proctor's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Rutland
Frequently asked questions
Is Proctor, VT tap water safe to drink?
Proctor's water quality earned a grade of C+ (67.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #72 out of 105 cities tested in Vermont.
What contaminants are in Proctor's water?
Lead was measured at 4.3 ppb (90th percentile). 139 violations are on record.
How is Proctor'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 Proctor?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Proctor's water come from?
Proctor's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,000 residents.
What health violations has Proctor's water system had?
Proctor has 67 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Proctor's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Proctor 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 139 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 Proctor's water compare to other cities?
Proctor ranks #72 out of 105 cities in Vermont (better than 31% of state cities) and #11197 out of 15744 cities nationally (29th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Proctor's small water system affect quality?
Proctor's system serves approximately 2,000 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 139 violations on record.