Is Swanton, VT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 12 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
77.8/100
waterverge.com Swanton, VT — Water Quality Report
Swanton's drinking water received a grade of B (77.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 4,126 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.8 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 57 violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Swanton's water
Swanton ranks #61 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.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Swanton, VT water safe to drink?
Swanton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 4,126 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Swanton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Swanton's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.8/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Consumer Confidence Rule.
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.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Swanton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Swanton's water system has 57 total violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 6 violations were 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 Mill River, Jewett Brook, Missisquoi River, Rock River.
Where does Swanton's water come from?
Swanton's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 4,126 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Mill River (river), Jewett Brook (river), Missisquoi River (river), Rock River (river).
What Swanton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Swanton'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.
Swanton'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 Swanton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Swanton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
WESTROCK CONVERTING LLC SHELDON SPRINGS, VT05485 | Lead And Lead Compounds | 0 | 7.0 mi |
BEN & JERRY'S HOMEMADE INC ST ALBANS SAINT ALBANS, VT05478 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
MYLAN TECHNOLOGIES INC SAINT ALBANS, VT05478 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
AGWAY INC ST ALBANS FEED MILL SAINT ALBANS, VT05478 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
ST ALBANS CREAMERY LLC SAINT ALBANS, VT05478 | — | — | 7.7 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. | 2.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Swanton compares by contaminant
Explore where Swanton ranks among all Vermont cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Swanton's water comes from
Swanton'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 4,126 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Swanton
Swanton is located near 4 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Swanton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SWANTON VILLAGE WATER | VT0005132 | 4,000 | SW |
| HOMESTEAD ACRES MHP | VT0005134 | 81 | GW |
| SUNSET TERRACE ESTATES | VT0005133 | 45 | GW |
How Swanton compares
Full Vermont rankings →Swanton's score of 77.8/100 is on par with the average of 77/100 among major Vermont cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Vermont rankings →About Swanton, VT
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Swanton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Franklin
Frequently asked questions
Is Swanton, VT tap water safe to drink?
Swanton's water quality earned a grade of B (77.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #61 out of 105 cities tested in Vermont.
What contaminants are in Swanton's water?
Lead was measured at 2.8 ppb (90th percentile). 57 violations are on record.
How is Swanton'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 Swanton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Swanton's water come from?
Swanton's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 4,126 residents.
What health violations has Swanton's water system had?
Swanton has 15 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. 12 violations remain unresolved.
How does Swanton's water compare to other cities?
Swanton ranks #61 out of 105 cities in Vermont (better than 42% of state cities) and #8879 out of 15744 cities nationally (44th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.