Vermont Tap Water Quality Rankings 2026: 25th in Nation | WaterQ
Vermont ranks 25th out of 50 states for drinking water quality, achieving an average score of 84 and a grade of B. This grade indicates that while most public systems deliver safe water, there are areas needing improvement. The state's water quality is influenced by its rural characteristics and small system infrastructure.
Key Findings for Vermont
Reviewing EPA SDWIS data for 2026, here's what defines Vermont's water quality landscape:
- With 85 water systems serving a largely rural population, resource constraints can lead to infrastructure challenges and compliance issues, resulting in 3,181 total violations.
- Naturally occurring arsenic is a geological concern in the region due to the prevalent granite bedrock geology, which affects groundwater sources.
- Runoff from forested New England environments often carries organic matter that can react with treatment chemicals, sometimes resulting in disinfection byproducts.
Most Common Contaminants in Vermont
Here's what Vermont residents should know about the contaminants most relevant to their water:
Arsenic
This element occurs naturally in the region's granite bedrock and can dissolve into groundwater. It is a common contaminant of concern for systems relying on wells in this geological region.
Disinfection Byproducts
Formed when disinfectants like chlorine react with natural organic matter in source water, these byproducts are monitored to ensure they do not exceed safe levels. This is particularly relevant in forested watersheds where organic matter runoff is higher.
Lead
Typically originating from corrosion within water pipes and plumbing fixtures rather than the source water itself, lead is a potential risk in areas with older housing stock.
Vermont's Best and Worst Cities for Water Quality
To find detailed information on your specific community, please check the local reports on our main Vermont page. Drinking water quality and compliance can vary significantly from one municipal system to another. Explore the full breakdown on our Vermont water systems page.
What Vermont Residents Should Do
Given Vermont's 25th place ranking, here's what matters most for residents:
- Search for your municipal water provider's annual Consumer Confidence Report to review local testing data.
- Test private well water regularly, as private wells are not monitored by public utilities and can be susceptible to regional contaminants like arsenic.
- Verify your water utility's history of compliance and active water quality violations with the EPA.
- Select a water filter certified to reduce the specific contaminants of concern present in your local area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Vermont water quality compare to other states?
Vermont ranks 25th out of the 50 states in the nation for drinking water quality. The state received an average score of 84 and earned a grade of B. This performance places the state in the middle of national water quality rankings.
What are the most common contaminants in Vermont tap water?
Common contaminants monitored in Vermont's water systems include arsenic, which is naturally occurring due to the regional granite bedrock geology. Disinfection byproducts from surface water treatment and lead from older plumbing infrastructure are also common areas of concern.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Vermont?
With a grade of B, the majority of public tap water in Vermont is safe and meets standard safety regulations. However, the state has recorded 3,181 water violations across its systems, so residents should check local reports for specific compliance issues. Residents using private wells are advised to test their water independently.
Source: EPA SDWIS 2026 Compliance Data and WaterQ National Database. For more information on our ranking process, visit our state rankings page.