Tap Water Results

Is Burlington, VT tap water safe?

Data: U.S. EPA · How we read the data · How we check it

Summary

No federal limits exceeded in EPA data for Burlington Dept Public Works Water Division.

2 public water systems serve parts of Burlington. The largest, Burlington Dept Public Works Water Division, serves 42,000 people. Your water bill names your system.

Largest system

Burlington Dept Public Works Water Division

42,000 people · Surface water · EPA ID VT0005053

PFASHighest averageLimitStatus
PFOA
Not detected
–4 pptNot detected
PFOS
Not detected
–4 pptNot detected
PFHxS
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected
PFNA
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected
HFPO-DA (GenX)
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected

ppt = parts per trillion. "Highest average" is the highest average at any of the system's entry points, the way EPA compares results with the limits.

Lead: 1.4 ppb at the 90th percentile (Dec 2024, and 9 in 10 homes sampled were at or below it) Below action level
Health-based violations since 2016: 0

Across Vermont, 0 of 34 water systems EPA tested had PFAS above a 2024 federal limit, and 7 systems were above the lead action level in results from the last five years. Vermont results.

Burlington homes and lead pipes

72%
of homes built before 1980 (Vermont 56%, US 50%)
43%
built before 1950 (Vermont 27%)
59%
of households rent (Vermont 27%)

Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so homes from before then are the ones to check. Renting? Ask your landlord what the service line is made of, because it's their pipe to replace. How to check your own line.

Housing: Census American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates for Burlington city (tables B25034, B25003). Estimates for small places have a margin of error.

Other water systems serving Burlington

  • North Ave County – Op
    301 people · Purchased surface water · Vermont · lists this city
    Not in EPA's PFAS sample
Burlington ZIP codes (3)
  • 05401
  • 05405
  • 05408

Questions

Is Burlington tap water safe to drink?

Burlington Dept Public Works Water Division has had no health-based violations since 2016. Utility data can't show lead from your own pipes: if your home was built before 1986, test your tap. Your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report is the official summary.

Who supplies water in Burlington, VT?

2 public water systems serve parts of Burlington. The largest is Burlington Dept Public Works Water Division (42,000 people). Your water bill names your system. The EPA ID is also on your utility's Consumer Confidence Report.

Does Burlington tap water have PFAS?

None detected above EPA's reporting limits. Burlington Dept Public Works Water Division had no PFAS detected in EPA's 2023–2025 testing. "Not detected" means below the reporting limit (about 2 to 20 ppt), not proven zero.

Do Burlington homes have lead pipes?

Census estimates put 72% of Burlington homes as built before 1980 (Vermont: 56%). Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so older homes are more likely to have them. Burlington Dept Public Works Water Division's service line inventory says what your line is made of. The only way to know for your home is to check the line where it enters the house and test your tap.

Source: U.S. EPA drinking water records and PFAS testing (UCMR 5). How we read the data.