LeadPipeLookup

Vermont › City overview

Lead service lines in Burlington, VT

5 water utilities serve Burlington, with approximately 42,305 people served.

Last verified from EPA SDWIS + utility inventories: 2026-04-14
Known lead
0
Galvanized
0
Unknown
0
% unknown
—

Lead Service Lines in Burlington, VT

Burlington's five water systems serve approximately 42,305 people. The largest, Burlington Department of Public Works Water Division, supplies about 42,000 residents. The other four systems are smaller mobile home communities and condominiums.

What we know about lead in Burlington's water

Vermont does not currently require public water systems to maintain a complete inventory of lead service lines. This means the exact number of lead pipes serving homes in Burlington is unknown—even to the utilities themselves in many cases.

The data available through LeadPipeLookup shows no confirmed lead service lines reported by Burlington's water systems. However, the absence of reported data does not mean there are no lead service lines in the area. Many utilities have not yet conducted full inventories, so the true picture remains incomplete.

Lead service lines are most common in homes built before the 1970s. If your home was constructed before then, there's a higher chance your connection to the water main includes lead piping, even if your utility hasn't documented it yet.

Why this matters

Lead can leach into drinking water from corroded pipes and joints. Children, pregnant people, and infants are most vulnerable to health effects from lead exposure. Even low levels of lead in water can pose risks over time.

Vermont water systems are required to test for lead and notify customers of results. You can request your utility's lead testing data and ask about the material of your service line.

Next steps for residents

  • Contact Burlington Department of Public Works Water Division (the main utility) or your local utility directly and ask: "What material is my service line made of?" They should have records, or can arrange to inspect it.
  • If your home was built before 1970, assume lead is possible until confirmed otherwise.
  • Test your water if you're concerned. You can request a free or low-cost test through your water utility or Vermont Department of Health.
  • Use cold water for drinking and cooking and let water run for 30 seconds after it's been sitting idle, as a temporary precaution.

Utilities serving Burlington

Common questions

Does Burlington VT have lead in the water?

No known lead service lines have been reported by Burlington's water systems, but complete inventories are not required in Vermont. If your home was built before the 1970s, the risk is higher. Contact your water utility to ask about your specific service line.

How do I know if my house has a lead service line?

Contact your water utility with your address and ask the material of your service line. They should have records or can inspect it. You can also look at your water meter pit—lead pipes are dull gray and soft enough to scratch with a knife.

Is it safe to drink Burlington water?

Burlington's water systems are regularly tested for lead and must notify customers if levels exceed safe limits. If you have concerns, you can request testing or contact Vermont Department of Health. Use cold water for drinking and cooking as an extra precaution.

What should I do if I think I have a lead service line?

Contact your water utility to confirm the material. If it's lead, the utility can advise you about replacement options and may offer assistance. In the meantime, run water for 30 seconds before using it for drinking or cooking, and use cold water.