Lead service lines in South Burlington, VT
South Burlington's water systems serve about 31,968 people across 10 public water utilities. The largest provider is South Burlington City Water System, which serves 19,500 residents, followed by Colchester Water System with 11,299 customers.
What we know about lead in South Burlington
Currently, there are no confirmed lead service lines reported in South Burlington's water systems inventory data. However, "no data reported" doesn't mean there are no lead lines—it means the utilities haven't yet completed their inventories or haven't publicly disclosed their findings.
Vermont requires all water systems to locate and inventory their service lines. This work is ongoing statewide, and utilities are still collecting information from property records, field inspections, and meter installation data. Lead service lines are most common in homes built before 1970, though they can be found in properties from any era.
Why this matters
Lead can leach from service lines into drinking water, especially in homes with older plumbing. Even small amounts of lead can affect children's development and learning. The only way to know if your home has a lead service line is to check with your water utility or have a licensed plumber inspect your home's connection.
What you can do right now
Contact your local water utility directly—they can tell you:
- Whether your property has a lead service line
- What the water company is doing to replace lead lines
- Whether they offer free or subsidized testing
- Whether replacement or flushing assistance is available
The three utilities serving the most South Burlington residents are:
- South Burlington City Water System (19,500 customers)
- Colchester Water System (11,299 customers)
- Malletts Bay Water Co (533 customers)
If you don't know which utility serves your address, check your water bill or contact South Burlington's public works department.
Next steps for residents
- Contact your water utility to ask about your service line status
- Request a free water test if your utility offers one
- For health concerns, consult your pediatrician or the CDC's lead information page
- Consider a point-of-use water filter certified to remove lead while you investigate further