Colchester, VT: 3 Health Violations — 93/100 (2026)
3 ZIP codes · 9 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
The water systems supplying Colchester show a track record of above-average compliance with federal standards — consistently among the better performers in VT.
How Colchester Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Colchester Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 42 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.001 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $867 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 9.51.
Who Supplies Your Water in Colchester
3 water utilities share the residential service territory in Colchester, VT — out of 9 total systems in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 3 ZIP codes in Colchester, Vermont (population ~17,605), covering 9 community water systems serving approximately 89,644 people region-wide.
3 of 3 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 3 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Colchester: A (93/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Colchester water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0010 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 3 ZIP codes
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 16 | 3 |
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 16 | 3 |
| Uranium | Radionuclides | 8 | 3 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 8 | 3 |
| Barium | Inorganic | 4 | 3 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05439 | A | 14 | 1 | Colchester Water System |
| 05446 | B | 14 | 1 | Colchester Fire District 2 |
| 05449 | A | 14 | 1 | Colchester Water System |
All ZIP Codes in Colchester
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
Health Outcomes in Colchester
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Top Contaminants in Colchester Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Colchester Homeowners
Within the Colchester market, estimated remediation claims a small portion of typical property equity — the financial burden is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in Colchester are relatively low compared to home values. The $517–$1,467 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 27% above the Vermont average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Colchester
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Lead risk in Colchester appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Colchester
A moderate NFIP record for Colchester — 55 insurance claims paired with 33% of ZIP codes in FEMA flood zones — points to a flood history where water-quality pathways have likely been periodically relevant.
Colchester has a moderate flood history with 55 FEMA claims averaging $15,716 per payout. 33% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$867</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Colchester, VT