Is South Hero, VT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79.5/100
waterverge.com South Hero, VT — Water Quality Report
South Hero's drinking water received a grade of B (79.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 760 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.4 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 84 violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about South Hero's water
South Hero ranks #57 out of 105 cities in Vermont for water quality, placing it below 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.
As a small community water system, South Hero may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is South Hero, VT water safe to drink?
South Hero's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B (79.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 760 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for South Hero
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into South Hero's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.5/100).
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: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for South Hero's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
South Hero's water system has 84 total violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Grand Isle County has experienced 7 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.
Where does South Hero's water come from?
South Hero's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 760 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What South Hero 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.
South Hero'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 South Hero
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near South Hero, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
HAZELETT STRIP CASTING CORP COLCHESTER, VT05446 | — | — | 8.2 mi |
ALSTOM TRANSPORTATION PLATTSBURGH, NY12901 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
PLATTSBURGH QUARRY PLATTSBURGH, NY12901 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of South Hero
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- PLATTSBURGH AIR FORCE BASE8.1 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Grand Isle County has experienced 7 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. | 3.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how South Hero compares by contaminant
Explore where South Hero ranks among all Vermont cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where South Hero's water comes from
South Hero'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 760 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving South Hero
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOUTH HERO FIRE DISTRICT 4 | VT0020080 | 760 | SW |
How South Hero compares
Full Vermont rankings →South Hero's score of 79.5/100 is on par with the average of 77/100 among major Vermont cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Vermont rankings →About South Hero, VT
Wikipedia →South Hero is a town on Grand Isle in Grand Isle County, Vermont, United States. South Hero's population was 1,674 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to South Hero's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Grand Isle
Frequently asked questions
Is South Hero, VT tap water safe to drink?
South Hero's water quality earned a grade of B (79.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #57 out of 105 cities tested in Vermont.
What contaminants are in South Hero's water?
Lead was measured at 3.4 ppb (90th percentile). 84 violations are on record.
How is South Hero'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 South Hero?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does South Hero's water come from?
South Hero's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 760 residents.
What health violations has South Hero's water system had?
South Hero has 14 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does South Hero's water compare to other cities?
South Hero ranks #57 out of 105 cities in Vermont (better than 46% of state cities) and #8253 out of 15744 cities nationally (48th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does South Hero's small water system affect quality?
South Hero's system serves approximately 760 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 84 violations on record.