Is West Rutland, 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 ↓
91.7/100
waterverge.com West Rutland, VT — Water Quality Report
West Rutland's drinking water received a grade of A (91.7 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,400 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.7 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 7 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about West Rutland's water
West Rutland ranks #13 out of 105 cities in Vermont for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
West Rutland 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, West Rutland may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is West Rutland, VT water safe to drink?
West Rutland's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,400 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for West Rutland
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into West Rutland's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.7/100).
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: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for West Rutland's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
West Rutland's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Rutland 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 Otter Creek.
Where does West Rutland's water come from?
West Rutland's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,400 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Otter Creek (river).
What West Rutland 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.
West Rutland'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 West Rutland
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near West Rutland, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GE AEROSPACE PLANT 1 RUTLAND, VT05701 | — | — | 2.6 mi |
QUESTECH CORP RUTLAND, VT05701 | — | — | 3.2 mi |
ISOVOLTA/U.S. SAMICA RUTLAND, VT05701 | — | — | 4.5 mi |
KALOW TECHNOLOGIES RUTLAND, VT05701 | — | — | 4.0 mi |
GE AEROSPACE PLANT 2 NORTH CLARENDON, VT05759 | — | — | 4.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Rutland 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. | 4.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how West Rutland compares by contaminant
Explore where West Rutland ranks among all Vermont cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where West Rutland's water comes from
West Rutland'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 2,400 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near West Rutland
West Rutland is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving West Rutland
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WEST RUTLAND TOWN | VT0005244 | 2,400 | GW |
How West Rutland compares
Full Vermont rankings →West Rutland's score of 91.7/100 is above the average of 77/100 among major Vermont cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Vermont rankings →About West Rutland, VT
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to West Rutland's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Rutland
Frequently asked questions
Is West Rutland, VT tap water safe to drink?
West Rutland's water quality earned a grade of A (91.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #13 out of 105 cities tested in Vermont.
What contaminants are in West Rutland's water?
Lead was measured at 4.7 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is West Rutland'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 West Rutland?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does West Rutland's water come from?
West Rutland's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,400 residents.
What health violations has West Rutland's water system had?
West Rutland has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2019. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is West Rutland's groundwater at risk of contamination?
West Rutland 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 7 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 West Rutland's water compare to other cities?
West Rutland ranks #13 out of 105 cities in Vermont (better than 88% of state cities) and #1531 out of 15744 cities nationally (90th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does West Rutland's small water system affect quality?
West Rutland's system serves approximately 2,400 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 7 violations on record.