Is Richford, VT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.8/100
waterverge.com Richford, VT — Water Quality Report
Richford's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,000 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.6 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 65 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Richford's water
Richford ranks #24 out of 105 cities in Vermont for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
Haloacetic acid (HAA5) levels were elevated at 33.7 µg/L in UCMR 4 testing, though below the 60 µg/L EPA limit. Activated carbon filtration can help reduce these disinfection byproducts.
As a small community water system, Richford may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Richford, VT water safe to drink?
Richford's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,000 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Richford
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Richford's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.8/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Richford's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Richford's water system has 65 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Franklin County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1990. 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 Missisquoi River.
Where does Richford's water come from?
Richford's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,000 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Missisquoi River (river).
What Richford residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Richford'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.
Richford'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 Richford
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Richford, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FRANKLIN FOODS ENOSBURG FALLS, VT05450 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Franklin County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1990. 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. | 1.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Richford compares by contaminant
Explore where Richford ranks among all Vermont cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Richford's water comes from
Richford's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 3,000 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Richford
Richford is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Richford
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RICHFORD WATER SYSTEM | VT0005126 | 3,000 | SW |
How Richford compares
Full Vermont rankings →Richford's score of 87.8/100 is above the average of 77/100 among major Vermont cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Vermont rankings →About Richford, VT
Wikipedia →Richford is a town in Franklin County, Vermont, United States, located along the Canada–United States border. The population was 2,346 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Richford's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Franklin
Frequently asked questions
Is Richford, VT tap water safe to drink?
Richford's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #24 out of 105 cities tested in Vermont.
What contaminants are in Richford's water?
Lead was measured at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile). 65 violations are on record.
How is Richford'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 Richford?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Richford's water come from?
Richford's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,000 residents.
What health violations has Richford's water system had?
Richford has 9 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. 7 violations remain unresolved.
How does Richford's water compare to other cities?
Richford ranks #24 out of 105 cities in Vermont (better than 77% of state cities) and #3817 out of 15744 cities nationally (76th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Richford's small water system affect quality?
Richford's system serves approximately 3,000 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 65 violations on record.