WaterVerge

Is Randolph, VT Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded C+, with 15 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

4K residents served 4 water systems PWSID: VT0005179
Overall Score
66.4 / 100
Violations
15 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#76 of 105 in Vermont Top 72% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
C+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
66.4/100
waterverge.com
C+ 66.4/100

Randolph, VT — Water Quality Report

Randolph's drinking water received a grade of C+ (66.4 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 3,922 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 1.5 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 176 violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Randolph's water

Randolph ranks #76 out of 105 cities in Vermont for water quality, placing it below average in the state.

Randolph 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.

The system has seen 14 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
66.4 out of 100 Grade C+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
16.4/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Randolph, VT water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Randolph's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (66.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 3,922 residents using groundwater (wells).

15
Active Violations
1.5 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Randolph

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Randolph's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (66.4/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Nitrate.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

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.

Key contaminant findings

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

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.5 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Randolph's water system has 176 total violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved. 14 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

OtherMRMONTTMCL
Most recent violations:
Jul 2025 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Apr 2025 Nitrate Resolved
Dec 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Nov 2024 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Oct 2024 LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS Open

Flood & environmental risk

Orange County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1992. 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 Ayers Brook.

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

Where does Randolph's water come from?

Randolph's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 3,922 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Ayers Brook (river).

What Randolph residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Randolph's water.

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

Randolph'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
1.5 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 10% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

176
Total violations
14
Health-based
15
Active / unresolved
Jul 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

176 Total
15 Active
14 Health-based
161 Resolved
2 SNC
Violations by category
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
48
Volatile Organic Chemicals
42
Total Coliform Rule
35
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
13
Consumer Confidence Rule
7
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Dec 2024 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Jul 2024 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2020 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2012 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2009 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2008 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 1997 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Apr 2025 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2025
Nov 2024 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Nov 2024
Oct 2024 Resolved
Radium-226
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Oct 2024 Resolved
Radium-228
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Jul 2024 Resolved
Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2024
Showing 20 of 176 violations
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D1 — moderate drought

Orange County is currently in D1 (moderate 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.

3.9%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Jul 2023
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Orange County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1992. 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
Jun 2014
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4178
Aug 2013
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4140

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.5 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 0.0 ppb from 1993 (0.0 ppb) to 2025 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
3,922
Water Systems
4
Water Source

Where Randolph's water comes from

Groundwater

Randolph'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 3,922 people through 4 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Randolph

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

Ayers Brook
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Randolph

System Name PWSID Population Source
RANDOLPH VILLAGE VT0005179 2,700 GW
RANDOLPH CENTER WATER SYSTEM VT0005177 1,138 GW
ARMSTRONGS MHP VT0005180 45 GW
GREENES MHP VT0005490 39 GW
Regional Comparison

How Randolph compares

Full Vermont rankings →

Randolph's score of 66.4/100 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.

Randolph (this city)
66.4
Burlington
84.6
Colchester
63.4
Essex
95
Vermont avg
77
City Profile

About Randolph, VT

Economic Profile
$70,305
Median Income
$240,478
Median Home Value
$1,119/mo
Median Rent
4.1%
Unemployment
Community
40.6
Median Age
39
People / sq mi
38.7%
College Educated
66.4%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Randolph, VT tap water safe to drink?

Randolph's water quality earned a grade of C+ (66.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #76 out of 105 cities tested in Vermont.

What contaminants are in Randolph's water?

Lead was measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile). 176 violations are on record.

How is Randolph'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 Randolph?

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

Where does Randolph's water come from?

Randolph's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 3,922 residents.

What health violations has Randolph's water system had?

Randolph has 14 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. 15 violations remain unresolved.

Is Randolph's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Randolph 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 176 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 Randolph's water compare to other cities?

Randolph ranks #76 out of 105 cities in Vermont (better than 28% of state cities) and #11379 out of 15744 cities nationally (28th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.