Derby Line, VT Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
State safety rankings put Derby Line, VT near the lower tier — below-average compliance on record.
How Derby Line Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Derby Line Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 66% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.41 — above typical levels.
Derby Line's Water Providers
In Derby Line, VT, residential water supply is distributed across multiple utilities rather than concentrated in one. The 2 leading providers out of 2 tracked systems each control their own infrastructure, file separate EPA compliance reports, and set independent rate schedules.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Derby Line, Vermont, covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 1,534 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Derby Line — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Derby Line: D (53/100)
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
Derby Line water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Derby Line
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05830 | D | DERBY CENTER WATER SYSTEM | 1,400 |
All ZIP Codes in Derby Line
- 05830 [D]
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.
Derby Line Community Health Snapshot
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
Derby Line Infrastructure Age
With 66% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Reading the housing age data for Derby Line — median build year 1973 — the overriding implication is that the plumbing materials inside a typical home here reflect pre-1986 construction standards. In practical terms, that means lead-soldered copper joints are common across much of the housing stock. Where those materials are present, water can leach lead as it moves through joints — a pathway that corrosion control treatment under federal rules is designed to reduce, though it cannot eliminate lead risk where the plumbing materials themselves contain lead.
Over half of homes in Derby Line were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Derby Line
Remediation costs in Derby Line are small relative to typical property values — the cost-to-value ratio here is favorable.
Remediation costs in Derby Line are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 31% below the Vermont average.
Derby Line: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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.
Pulling a tap sample fills the gap that utility data cannot close, particularly here where 66% of housing dates from the pre-rule era and citywide monitoring sits at or above the regulatory mark in Derby Line.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Derby Line
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 66% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Derby Line, VT