Is Warren, VT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Lead and Copper were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
29/100
waterverge.com Warren, VT — Water Quality Report
Warren's drinking water received a grade of F (29 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 11 water systems serve approximately 4,048 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 40.4 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 383 violations on record, including 50 health-based violations. 50 remain unresolved.
What to know about Warren's water
Warren ranks #105 out of 105 cities in Vermont for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
The system has seen 58 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Warren, VT water safe to drink?
Warren's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (29/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 11 water systems serve approximately 4,048 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Warren
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Warren's water quality assessment. Grade: F (29/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
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 Warren's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Warren's water system has 383 total violations on record, including 50 health-based violations. 50 remain unresolved. 58 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.
Where does Warren's water come from?
Warren's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 11 water systems serving approximately 4,048 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Warren residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Warren'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.
Warren'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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Warren'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. | 40.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 2.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Warren compares by contaminant
Explore where Warren ranks among all Vermont cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Warren's water comes from
Warren'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 private ownership and serves approximately 4,048 people through 11 water systems.
Water systems serving Warren
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOUNTAIN WATER COMPANY | VT0005281 | 2,400 | SW |
| SOUTH VILLAGE | VT0005593 | 445 | GW |
| BRIDGES RESORT | VT0005283 | 440 | GW |
| CLUB SUGARBUSH WATER SYSTEM | VT0005657 | 245 | GW |
| CHRISTMAS TREE - SUNDOWN CONDOMINIUM | VT0005589 | 110 | GW |
| SOUTHFACE | VT0005608 | 105 | GW |
| DRUMLEYS CONDOMINIUMS | VT0005282 | 92 | GW |
| STERLING RIDGE WATER | VT0005525 | 66 | GW |
| TIMBERLINE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION | VT0005442 | 50 | GW |
| FARMS AT CLUB SUGARBUSH | VT0020135 | 48 | GW |
| WHEELER BROOK HOUSING DEVELOPMENT | VT0021121 | 47 | GW |
How Warren compares
Full Vermont rankings →Warren's score of 29/100 is below the average of 77/100 among major Vermont cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Vermont rankings →About Warren, VT
Wikipedia →Warren is a town in Washington County, Vermont, United States. The population was 1,977 at the 2020 census. The center of population of Vermont is located in Warren. It is set between the two ranges of the Green Mountains, with approximately 25% of the township within the boundaries of the federal Green Mountain National Forest.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Warren's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Washington
Frequently asked questions
Is Warren, VT tap water safe to drink?
Warren's water quality earned a grade of F (29/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #105 out of 105 cities tested in Vermont.
What contaminants are in Warren's water?
Lead was measured at 40.4 ppb (90th percentile). 383 violations are on record.
How is Warren'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 Warren?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Warren's water come from?
Warren's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 11 water systems serving approximately 4,048 residents.
What health violations has Warren's water system had?
Warren has 50 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. 50 violations remain unresolved.
How does Warren's water compare to other cities?
Warren ranks #105 out of 105 cities in Vermont (better than 0% of state cities) and #15708 out of 15744 cities nationally (0th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.