Vermont Water Quality — 105 Cities Tested

Analysis

Vermont water quality overview

Vermont's drinking water quality is fair overall, with an average score of 74.3 out of 100 across 105 cities tested. The median score is 80.9, serving a total population of 455,809 residents. The state shows a mixed picture: 31 cities earned an A, while 7 cities received an F. PFAS "forever chemicals" were detected in 3 of 105 cities tested (3%). 1 city exceeds the 2024 EPA maximum contaminant levels. 2 cities have lead levels exceeding the EPA action level of 15 ppb, often indicating aging infrastructure with lead service lines or lead solder. The state relies on a mix of water sources: 70 cities use groundwater while 35 draw from surface water such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

Key Concerns

Issues to watch in Vermont

3 cities

PFAS Detected

3% of tested cities have PFAS in their water supply.

2 cities

Lead Exceedances

Lead levels above the EPA action level of 15 ppb (90th percentile).

97 cities

Health Violations

14,639 total violations recorded, 103 with unresolved issues.

7 cities

Failing Systems

Received a grade of F, indicating serious water quality issues.

Contaminant Data

Explore contaminants in Vermont

Lead in Vermont → Ranked by 90th percentile level (ppb) PFAS in Vermont → Ranked by compounds detected Copper in Vermont → Ranked by 90th percentile level (mg/L)

More contaminants tested in Vermont

HAA5 → Chromium-6 → Arsenic → Nitrate → Strontium → 1,4-Dioxane → Manganese → Vanadium → Chlorate → Molybdenum → NDMA →

State context

12

Superfund sites in Vermont

EPA National Priorities List

56.3%

of Vermont residents on fluoridated water

CDC, 2020

104,398

lbs released to surface water

Top 10 TRI facilities, 2023

26.0%

of Vermont domestic wells exceed EPA arsenic limit

USGS, 50 samples · 10 µg/L MCL

Domestic well chemistry

Private-well water in Vermont

Based on USGS Powell Domestic-Well Database — 244 private wells sampled across Vermont. These wells are not regulated by the EPA; if you draw your tap from a private well, the public-system grade above does not apply to you.

7.0 µg/L

Median arsenic in domestic wells

P90 31.2 µg/L · max 36.0 µg/L

2 µg/L

Median manganese in domestic wells

5.6% exceed 300 µg/L aesthetic limit

Industrial pollution

Top industrial water polluters in Vermont

Industrial polluters nearby

The 10 facilities reporting the most pounds released to surface water in Vermont, 2023.

Total reported releases to surface water: 104,398 lbs

Facility	Top chemical	To surface water (lbs/yr)
GLOBALFOUNDRIES U.S. 2 LLC - VERMONT FACILITY Computers and Electronic Products · GLOBALFOUNDRIES US INC ESSEX JUNCTION, VT05452	Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution)	103,621
PERRIGO NUTRITIONALS Food · PERRIGO CO GEORGIA, VT05468	Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution)	777
WESTROCK CONVERTING LLC Paper · SMURFIT WESTROCK US HOLDING CO SHELDON SPRINGS, VT05485	Lead And Lead Compounds	0

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Test your own tap

Get your Vermont water tested

City-level data shows the source and infrastructure picture — but lead and other home-plumbing issues only show up at your tap. Find a state-certified lab, see what to test for, and what it costs.

Grade Distribution

How Vermont cities scored

A: 31 B: 39 C: 15 D: 13 F: 7

Best Cities

Worst Cities

City Map

Water quality across Vermont

Each dot is a city, colored by its water quality grade. Size reflects population served. Click any city to view its full water report.

All Cities

105 cities in Vermont

Full rankings →

#	City	Grade	Score	Population	Violations
1	Essex	A+	95	19K	4
2	Brandon	A+	95	4K	36
3	Bridport	A	94.8	4K	15
4	Winooski	A	94.3	9K	2
5	Fairlee	A	94.2	967	5
6	Shaftsbury	A	94.2	950	11
7	Peru	A	93.9	4K	13
8	Arlington	A	93.9	1K	10
9	West Windsor	A	93.8	750	11
10	Pittsford	A	92.3	2K	87
11	Barre City	A	92.2	14K	6
12	Rutland City	A	91.8	19K	26
13	West Rutland	A	91.7	2K	7
14	Bristol	A	91.7	2K	38
15	Springfield	A	91.6	10K	15
16	Bethel	A	91.5	2K	22
17	Poultney	A	91.3	2K	8
18	Fair Haven	A	90.7	3K	15
19	Underhill	A-	89.9	825	7
20	Brighton	A-	89.2	1K	4
21	Saint Albans City	A-	88.6	10K	13
22	Middlebury	A-	88.2	10K	39
23	Vergennes	A-	87.8	5K	82
24	Richford	A-	87.8	3K	65
25	Lyndon	A-	87.6	4K	37
26	Williamstown	A-	86.8	1K	59
27	Stratton	A-	86.6	6K	26
28	North Hero	A-	86.4	3K	74
29	Chester	A-	85.9	3K	85
30	Norwich	A-	85.7	956	149
31	Montpelier	A-	85.4	9K	11
32	South Burlington	B+	84.9	20K	22
33	Bradford	B+	84.7	2K	133
34	Burlington	B+	84.6	42K	21
35	Northfield	B+	84.6	5K	12
36	Newport City	B+	84.6	5K	23
37	Woodstock	B+	84.5	3K	25
38	Plainfield	B+	84.4	985	48
39	Lunenburg	B+	83.7	650	90
40	Williston	B+	83.6	8K	17
41	Enosburgh	B+	83.5	2K	24
42	Saint George	B+	83.4	534	66
43	Windsor	B+	83.3	2K	86
44	Chelsea	B+	83.3	562	146
45	Shelburne	B+	83	7K	75
46	Waitsfield	B+	82.9	569	42
47	Johnson	B+	82.7	1K	139
48	Grand Isle	B+	82.4	3K	54
49	Hardwick	B+	82.1	2K	63
50	Putney	B+	81.9	2K	29
51	Montgomery	B+	81.9	530	28
52	Dorset	B+	81.2	772	141
53	Cavendish	B+	80.9	950	93
54	Hinesburg	B	79.8	3K	111
55	Derby	B	79.6	3K	94
56	Brattleboro	B	79.5	12K	32
57	South Hero	B	79.5	760	84
58	Danville	B	79	500	30
59	Richmond	B	78.9	1K	78
60	Jay	B	78.2	7K	144
61	Swanton	B	77.8	4K	57
62	Manchester	B	77.5	4K	102
63	Canaan	B	77.2	1K	80
64	Waterbury	B	76.6	6K	196
65	Troy	B	76.6	1K	74
66	Hyde Park	B	75.2	1K	155
67	Barton	B-	74.5	2K	80
68	Morristown	B-	73.8	3K	159
69	Newbury	B-	72.2	970	138
70	Winhall	B-	70.3	762	219
71	Saint Johnsbury	C+	70	5K	128
72	Proctor	C+	67.7	2K	139
73	Cambridge	C+	67.1	4K	139
74	Wallingford	C+	66.9	1K	179
75	Jericho	C+	66.6	2K	128
76	Randolph	C+	66.4	4K	176
77	Bolton	C+	65.2	1K	237
78	Greensboro	C+	65.1	622	140
79	Colchester	C	63.4	22K	104
80	Rockingham	C	62.9	4K	229
81	Starksboro	C-	59.6	690	200
82	Londonderry	C-	59	539	289
83	Royalton	C-	58.8	2K	177
84	East Montpelier	C-	56.8	530	244
85	Walpole	C-	56	750	96
86	Milton	D+	54.5	8K	101
87	Pownal	D+	51.2	980	300
88	Castleton	D+	50	3K	198
89	Burke	D+	50	1K	258
90	Georgia	D+	50	685	290
91	Barre Town	D	49	3K	247
92	Hartford	D	47	11K	366
93	Wilmington	D	46	5K	200
94	Dover	D	46	5K	668
95	Stowe	D	46	5K	213
96	Berlin	D	46	4K	395
97	Fairfax	D	46	2K	384
98	Alburgh	D	45	963	183
99	Bennington	F	44.9	17K	343
100	Ludlow	F	44	8K	418
101	Killington	F	42	5K	1618
102	Barnet	F	42	661	293
103	Rutland Town	F	40	2K	625
104	Plymouth	F	32	574	359
105	Warren	F	29	4K	383

Counties

Browse Vermont counties

Addison 5 cities · avg 84.4 Bennington 8 cities · avg 75.9 Caledonia 6 cities · avg 68.5 Cheshire 1 city · avg 56 Chittenden 14 cities · avg 79.1 Essex 3 cities · avg 83.4 Franklin 7 cities · avg 73.7 Grand Isle 4 cities · avg 73.3 Lamoille 5 cities · avg 69 Orange 6 cities · avg 81.3 Orleans 6 cities · avg 76.4 Rutland 11 cities · avg 74.5 Washington 10 cities · avg 68.7 Windham 7 cities · avg 66 Windsor 12 cities · avg 73.3

ZIP Codes

Browse Vermont by ZIP code

Look up water quality by ZIP code to find the systems serving your area.

View all Vermont ZIP codes →

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Vermont's water

Is Vermont's tap water safe to drink?

Vermont's water quality varies by city. The statewide average grade is B- (74.3/100). 67% of cities scored an A or B, while 19% received a D or F. Check your specific city for detailed results.

Which Vermont cities have the best water quality?

The top-rated cities are Essex (A+), Brandon (A+), Bridport (A). These cities scored highest based on violation history, lead levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Which Vermont cities have the worst water quality?

The lowest-rated cities are Warren (F), Plymouth (F), Rutland Town (F). We recommend residents in these areas consider water filtration and review their city's specific contaminant data.

How many Vermont cities have PFAS in their water?

3 out of 105 cities tested positive for PFAS "forever chemicals" (3%). 1 city exceeds the 2024 EPA maximum contaminant levels. Reverse osmosis or activated carbon filters can help reduce PFAS exposure.

Do any Vermont cities have dangerous lead levels?

2 cities exceed the EPA lead action level of 15 ppb. Lead contamination typically comes from aging pipes and lead service lines rather than the water source itself. An NSF 53-certified filter can effectively remove lead from tap water.

Vermont Water Quality Report