Is Shaftsbury, VT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
94.2/100
waterverge.com Shaftsbury, VT — Water Quality Report
Shaftsbury's drinking water received a grade of A (94.2 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 950 residents using purchased surface water.
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 11 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Shaftsbury's water
Shaftsbury ranks #6 out of 105 cities in Vermont for water quality, placing it one of the best 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.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.11 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
As a small community water system, Shaftsbury may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Shaftsbury, VT water safe to drink?
Shaftsbury's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (94.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 950 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Shaftsbury
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Shaftsbury's water quality assessment. Grade: A (94.2/100).
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: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Shaftsbury's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Shaftsbury's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 1 violation was 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 Walloomsac River.
Where does Shaftsbury's water come from?
Shaftsbury's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 950 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Walloomsac River (river).
What Shaftsbury 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.
Shaftsbury'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
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.
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 |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Shaftsbury compares by contaminant
Explore where Shaftsbury ranks among all Vermont cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Shaftsbury's water comes from
Shaftsbury'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 950 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Shaftsbury
Shaftsbury 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 Shaftsbury
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHAFTSBURY WATER SYSTEM | VT0005469 | 950 | SWP |
How Shaftsbury compares
Full Vermont rankings →Shaftsbury's score of 94.2/100 is above the average of 77/100 among major Vermont cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Vermont rankings →About Shaftsbury, VT
Wikipedia →Shaftsbury is a town in Bennington County, Vermont, United States. The population was 3,598 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Shaftsbury's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bennington
Frequently asked questions
Is Shaftsbury, VT tap water safe to drink?
Shaftsbury's water quality earned a grade of A (94.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #6 out of 105 cities tested in Vermont.
What contaminants are in Shaftsbury's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.
How is Shaftsbury'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 Shaftsbury?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Shaftsbury's water come from?
Shaftsbury's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 950 residents.
How does Shaftsbury's water compare to other cities?
Shaftsbury ranks #6 out of 105 cities in Vermont (better than 94% of state cities) and #589 out of 15744 cities nationally (96th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Shaftsbury's small water system affect quality?
Shaftsbury's system serves approximately 950 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 11 violations on record.