Is Windsor, 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 ↓
83.3/100
waterverge.com Windsor, VT — Water Quality Report
Windsor's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,392 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.7 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 86 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Windsor's water
Windsor ranks #43 out of 105 cities in Vermont for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Windsor 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, Windsor may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Windsor, VT water safe to drink?
Windsor's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,392 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Windsor
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Windsor's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.3/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform 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: Nitrate.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Windsor's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Windsor's water system has 86 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Windsor County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1976. 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 Ottauquechee River, Sugar River, Black River.
Where does Windsor's water come from?
Windsor's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,392 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Ottauquechee River (river), Sugar River (river), Black River (river).
What Windsor residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Windsor'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.
Windsor'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 Windsor
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Windsor, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CANAM BRIDGES US INC. CLAREMONT, NH03743 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
APC PAPER CO CLAREMONT, NH03743 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
LEBANON CRUSHED STONE PIKE INDUSTRIES INC WEST LEBANON, NH03784 | — | — | 10.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtWindsor County is currently in D2 (severe drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Windsor County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1976. 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. | 2.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Windsor compares by contaminant
Explore where Windsor ranks among all Vermont cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Windsor's water comes from
Windsor'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 2,392 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Windsor
Windsor is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Windsor
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WINDSOR WATER DEPT | VT0005341 | 2,350 | GW |
| MOUNT ASCUTNEY MHP | VT0005342 | 42 | GW |
How Windsor compares
Full Vermont rankings →Windsor's score of 83.3/100 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 Windsor, VT
Wikipedia →Windsor is a town in Windsor County, Vermont, United States. As the "Birthplace of Vermont", the town is where the Constitution of Vermont was adopted in 1777, thus marking the founding of the Vermont Republic, a sovereign state until 1791, when Vermont joined the United States. Over much of its history, Windsor was home to a variety of manufacturing enterprises. Its population was 3,559 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Windsor's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Windsor
Frequently asked questions
Is Windsor, VT tap water safe to drink?
Windsor's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #43 out of 105 cities tested in Vermont.
What contaminants are in Windsor's water?
Lead was measured at 2.7 ppb (90th percentile). 86 violations are on record.
How is Windsor'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 Windsor?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Windsor's water come from?
Windsor's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,392 residents.
What health violations has Windsor's water system had?
Windsor has 7 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.
Is Windsor's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Windsor 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 86 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 Windsor's water compare to other cities?
Windsor ranks #43 out of 105 cities in Vermont (better than 59% of state cities) and #6490 out of 15744 cities nationally (59th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.