LeadPipeLookup

State overview

Lead service lines in Vermont

Aggregated lead pipe inventory data for all 1,357 public water systems in Vermont, serving approximately 646,278 residents.

Last verified from EPA SDWIS: 2026-04-14
Water systems
1,357
Population served
646,278
Known lead lines
0
Unknown material
0

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.

Largest public water systems in Vermont

UtilityPWSIDPopulationKnown leadUnknown
BURLINGTON DEPT PUBLIC WORKS WATER DIVVT000505342,000
SOUTH BURLINGTON CITY WATER SYSTEMVT000509119,500
RUTLAND CITY WATER DEPTVT000522918,500
BARRE CITY WATER SYSTEMVT000525414,000
BENNINGTON WATER DEPTVT000501613,250
BRATTLEBORO WATER DEPTVT000529012,200
COLCHESTER WATER SYSTEMVT002181011,299
ST ALBANS WATER DEPTVT000513010,200
SPRINGFIELD WATER DEPTVT00053339,800
ESSEX TOWN WATER SYSTEMVT00050659,734
ESSEX JCT WATER DEPTVT00050669,500
MIDDLEBURY WATER DEPTVT00050049,379
MONTPELIER WATER SYSTEMVT00052728,912
WINOOSKI WATER DEPTVT00051028,500
COLCHESTER FIRE DISTRICT 2VT00050598,300
MILTON WATER DEPTVT00050798,260
HARTFORD WATER DEPTVT00053197,600
WILLISTON WATER DEPTVT00050987,259
JAY PEAK WATER SYSTEMVT00055656,740
WINHALL STRATTON F D 1VT00053056,200
EDWARD FARRAR UTILITY DISTRICTVT00052846,003
SHELBURNE WATER DEPTVT00050875,764
NORTHFIELD WATER DEPTVT00052755,145
VERGENNES PANTON WATER DISTRICTVT00050105,100
ST JOHNSBURY WATER SYSTEMVT00050455,000

Cities in Vermont

More on lead pipes in Vermont

Frequently asked about lead pipes in Vermont

Does Vermont have lead in the water?

Lead is not found naturally in most of Vermont's water systems. However, if your home's service line (the pipe connecting your home to the public water main) is made of lead, your water can pick up lead from that pipe. Vermont utilities have reported zero known lead service lines so far, but testing is ongoing.

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

Contact your local water utility with your address—they should have records of your service line material. If your home was built before 1986, it's more likely to have a lead line. A certified lab can also test your water for lead (cost is typically $20–$30).

Is Vermont water safe to drink?

Vermont's public water systems are regulated and tested regularly. However, lead can enter your home through old service lines or interior plumbing. If you're concerned, test your water and contact your utility for information about your specific line.

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

The safest long-term solution is replacing the lead line, though it's expensive. Short-term options include using a water filter certified for lead or running cold tap water for 30 seconds before drinking. Talk to your utility about replacement programs or financing—some utilities offer help.