Lead Service Lines in Vermont
Vermont's 1,357 water systems serve approximately 646,278 people. The state has reported zero known lead service lines identified across its public water utilities to date—a notable position among U.S. states, though this does not mean lead service lines do not exist in Vermont. It reflects what utilities have inventoried and disclosed so far.
Why this matters
Lead service lines are pipes that connect your home's water meter to the public water main underground. If your home was built before 1986 (when federal lead bans began), there's a higher chance your service line contains lead or lead-containing materials. Drinking water that sits in lead pipes can pick up lead, especially if water is corrosive or hasn't been used for several hours.
The EPA recommends testing your home's water if it was built before 1986, regardless of what your utility has inventoried.
What Vermont utilities have reported
Vermont's largest water systems—including Burlington Department of Public Works Water Division (serving 42,000 people), South Burlington City Water System (19,500), and Rutland City Water Department (18,500)—have not yet reported known lead service lines in their inventories. However, data gaps are common. Many utilities are still in the early stages of mapping their service lines, so an absence of reported lead lines does not guarantee your home's line is lead-free.
What you should do now
Your water utility is the best source of information about your specific service line. They can tell you whether your line has been inventoried and what material it's made of. Most utilities keep these records by address.
If your home was built before 1986 and you haven't had your water tested, the EPA recommends a simple lead test at a certified laboratory (cost is typically $20–$30).
Next steps for residents
- Contact your local water utility and ask if your service line has been inventoried and what material it's made of.
- If your home was built before 1986, consider getting your water tested for lead through a certified lab.
- Check the EPA's guidance on lead and copper in drinking water at epa.gov/lead for testing resources and treatment options.
- If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your pediatrician or doctor about lead exposure—the CDC has additional resources for health concerns.