Is Waitsfield, VT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82.9/100
waterverge.com Waitsfield, VT — Water Quality Report
Waitsfield's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 569 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.9 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 42 violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Waitsfield's water
Waitsfield ranks #46 out of 105 cities in Vermont for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Waitsfield 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.
As a small community water system, Waitsfield may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Waitsfield, VT water safe to drink?
Waitsfield's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 569 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Waitsfield
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Waitsfield's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.9/100).
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: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Waitsfield's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Waitsfield's water system has 42 total violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Washington County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1996. 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 Mad River, Winooski River Above Crossett.
Where does Waitsfield's water come from?
Waitsfield's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 569 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mad River (river), Winooski River Above Crossett (river).
What Waitsfield residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Waitsfield'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.
Waitsfield'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
Washington County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1996. 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. | 1.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Waitsfield compares by contaminant
Explore where Waitsfield ranks among all Vermont cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Waitsfield's water comes from
Waitsfield'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 569 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Waitsfield
Waitsfield is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Waitsfield
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAITSFIELD WATER SUPPLY | VT0020997 | 450 | GW |
| BUTTERNUT HILL | VT0005280 | 82 | GW |
| FLY IN WATER SYSTEM | VT0005596 | 37 | GW |
How Waitsfield compares
Full Vermont rankings →Waitsfield's score of 82.9/100 is above the average of 77/100 among major Vermont cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Vermont rankings →About Waitsfield, VT
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Waitsfield's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Washington
Frequently asked questions
Is Waitsfield, VT tap water safe to drink?
Waitsfield's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #46 out of 105 cities tested in Vermont.
What contaminants are in Waitsfield's water?
Lead was measured at 1.9 ppb (90th percentile). 42 violations are on record.
How is Waitsfield'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 Waitsfield?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Waitsfield's water come from?
Waitsfield's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 569 residents.
What health violations has Waitsfield's water system had?
Waitsfield has 14 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. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Waitsfield's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Waitsfield 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 42 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 Waitsfield's water compare to other cities?
Waitsfield ranks #46 out of 105 cities in Vermont (better than 56% of state cities) and #6710 out of 15744 cities nationally (57th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.