Is Rutland Town, VT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F, with 60 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
40/100
waterverge.com Rutland Town, VT — Water Quality Report
Rutland Town's drinking water received a grade of F (40 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 10 water systems serve approximately 1,649 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 12.1 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 625 violations on record, including 95 health-based violations. 60 remain unresolved.
What to know about Rutland Town's water
Rutland Town ranks #103 out of 105 cities in Vermont for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Rutland Town 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Rutland Town 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 Rutland Town, VT water safe to drink?
Rutland Town's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (40/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 10 water systems serve approximately 1,649 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Rutland Town
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rutland Town's water quality assessment. Grade: F (40/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
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 Rutland Town's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Rutland Town's water system has 625 total violations on record, including 95 health-based violations. 60 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 Rutland Town's water come from?
Rutland Town's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 10 water systems serving approximately 1,649 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 Rutland Town residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Rutland Town'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.
Rutland Town'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
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 Rutland Town'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. | 12.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Rutland Town compares by contaminant
Explore where Rutland Town ranks among all Vermont cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rutland Town's water comes from
Rutland Town'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 1,649 people through 10 water systems.
Water bodies near Rutland Town
Rutland Town is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Rutland Town
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RUTLAND TOWN FIRE DISTRICT 1 | VT0005534 | 401 | GW |
| MEADOWS - GABLES I WATER SYSTEM | VT0021053 | 310 | SWP |
| COLONIAL ESTATES WATER CORP | VT0005499 | 300 | GW |
| RUTLAND TOWN FIRE DISTRICT 6 | VT0005378 | 137 | GW |
| RUTLAND TOWN FIRE DISTRICT 4 | VT0020885 | 136 | SWP |
| RUTLAND TOWN FIRE DISTRICT 5 | VT0005429 | 110 | GW |
| GRANDVIEW ACRES WATER COOP | VT0005237 | 102 | GW |
| HERITAGE HILL ASSOCIATION | VT0021051 | 102 | SWP |
| RUTLAND TOWN FIRE DISTRICT 11 | VT0021007 | 29 | SWP |
| GABLES II WATER SYSTEM | VT0021570 | 22 | SWP |
How Rutland Town compares
Full Vermont rankings →Rutland Town's score of 40/100 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 Rutland Town's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Rutland
Frequently asked questions
Is Rutland Town, VT tap water safe to drink?
Rutland Town's water quality earned a grade of F (40/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #103 out of 105 cities tested in Vermont.
What contaminants are in Rutland Town's water?
Lead was measured at 12.1 ppb (90th percentile). 625 violations are on record.
How is Rutland Town'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 Rutland Town?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Rutland Town's water come from?
Rutland Town's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 10 water systems serving approximately 1,649 residents.
What health violations has Rutland Town's water system had?
Rutland Town has 95 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 60 violations remain unresolved.
Is Rutland Town's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Rutland Town 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 625 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 Rutland Town's water compare to other cities?
Rutland Town ranks #103 out of 105 cities in Vermont (better than 2% of state cities) and #15203 out of 15744 cities nationally (3th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.