Vermont Water Quality Report 2026

4 cities89,185 residentsUpdated March 2026

A85/100State Average
Vermont has 4 cities in our database, serving approximately 89,185 residents. The average PurityMap score is 85.0/100 (Grade: A), which is 7.1 points above the US average of 77.9/100. Burlington has the cleanest water (85/100) while Burlington scores lowest (85/100) due to lower overall score.
Is Vermont Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Safe to Drink

Vermont tap water is safe to drink based on our analysis of 4 water systems serving 89,185 residents. The average PurityMap score is 85.0/100 (Grade: A), which is 7.1 points above the national average.

  • No major contaminant flags across Vermont cities. All cities meet EPA federal drinking water standards.
Our Recommendation

Vermont water is generally good quality. A carbon pitcher or faucet filter removes chlorine taste and provides extra protection. No major filtration investment is needed for most residents.

All 4 cities in Vermont meet EPA federal drinking water standards as of 2026. However, EPA standards set legal limits — not health goals. Many contaminants are detected at levels that are legal but may still pose long-term health risks according to independent health organizations like the EWG.
Vermont at a Glance
85Avg Purity Score
3.4Avg Hardness (GPG)
Soft
0Cities with PFAS
0Cities with Hard Water
1.7Avg Lead (ppb)
104Avg TDS (ppm)

Vermont is 7.1 points above the US average of 77.9/100. Hardness is 2.9 GPG below the US average of 6.3 GPG.

Best & Worst Water in Vermont
Consistent Quality

All 4 cities score similarly

85/100
Score Distribution

How Vermont's 4 cities score on the PurityMap 0–100 scale:

Excellent (85–100)
4 cities
Good (70–84)
0 cities
Moderate (60–69)
0 cities
Poor (below 60)
0 cities
Largest Cities in Vermont — Water Quality

Water quality for the most populated cities. Click any city for details.





CityPopulationScoreHardnessKey Issues
Burlington45K 85/1005.5 GPG—
South Burlington20K 85/1005.5 GPG—
Rutland16K 85/1001.5 GPG—
Montpelier8K 85/1001.2 GPG—
Hard Water in Vermont

Vermont generally has soft to moderate water. Average: 3.4 GPG (Soft). Most residents do not need a softener.

PFAS in Vermont Water

Based on EPA UCMR5 data, PFAS have not been detected above advisory levels in any Vermont cities in our database as of 2026.

Lead in Vermont Water

All Vermont cities have lead below 5 ppb. Average: 1.7 ppb. Individual homes with older plumbing may have higher levels.

Water Sources in Vermont

Where Vermont gets its drinking water, based on 4 water systems.


Source TypeCities% of Total
Surface Water4100%
Recommended Filter for Vermont

Vermont water is generally good. A carbon pitcher filter improves taste.

All Vermont Cities — Ranked
#CityPop.ScoreHardnessLeadPFASTDS
1Burlington45K 85/1005.5 GPG (Moderate)2.0 ppb✅ No170 ppm
2Rutland16K 85/1001.5 GPG (Soft)1.5 ppb✅ No42 ppm
3South Burlington20K 85/1005.5 GPG (Moderate)1.8 ppb✅ No170 ppm
4Montpelier8K 85/1001.2 GPG (Soft)1.5 ppb✅ No32 ppm
Water Utilities in Vermont

Vermont has 4 utilities. Major: Burlington Department of Public Works, Rutland City Water Department, Champlain Water District, City of Montpelier Water Department.

Sources: Lake Champlain, Mendon Brook Reservoir, Berlin Pond.

Frequently Asked Questions
Which city has the best water in Vermont?
Burlington scores highest at 85/100. Source: Lake Champlain.
Which city has the worst water in Vermont?
Burlington scores lowest at 85/100 due to lower overall score.
Is Vermont water hard or soft?
Average hardness: 3.4 GPG (Soft). 2.9 GPG below the US average of 6.3 GPG. 0 of 4 cities have hard/very hard water.
Has PFAS been found in Vermont water?
Based on EPA UCMR5 data, PFAS have not been detected above advisory levels in any Vermont cities in our database as of 2026.
What water filter should I use in Vermont?
Vermont water is generally good. A carbon pitcher filter improves taste.
How does Vermont water compare to the US average?
Score: 85.0/100 (7.1 points above US avg 77.9). Hardness: 3.4 GPG (2.9 GPG below US avg 6.3).
Where does Vermont get its drinking water?Where does Vermont get its drinking water?
Vermont water comes from: Surface Water: 4 cities (100%).
Data Sources & Methodology
  • EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System
  • EWG Tap Water Database
  • State utility Consumer Confidence Reports
  • USGS regional water monitoring data

PurityMap compiles publicly available data and does not perform independent testing.

How we analyze water Data sources
All Vermont Cities with Water Reports

4 city water quality reports available for Vermont.

4 Reports
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Showing all 4 cities
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