Water Quality in East Montpelier, VT: 12 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 69/100 · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
East Montpelier's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
The public EPA compliance record for East Montpelier, VT holds 12 documented water violations — sourced from the federal Safe Drinking Water Information System, which tracks every reportable event for registered public water systems in the state.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in East Montpelier
Water quality varies across East Montpelier's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05651 | C | 69 | 12 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
East Montpelier, Vermont receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 69 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 3 water systems serving East Montpelier have accumulated 12 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 530 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. East Montpelier's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across East Montpelier water systems is 0.0022 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 67% of homes built before 1986, East Montpelier has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
East Montpelier is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving East Montpelier
East Montpelier is served by 3 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 530 people across 1 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving East Montpelier. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in East Montpelier
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in East Montpelier Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across East Montpelier's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 4 | 1 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 3 | 1 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 2 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving East Montpelier. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2024-11-08 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-11-01 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-11-01 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-10-31 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-10-31 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-09-20 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-07-03 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-05-14 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-05-14 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2023-06-30 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2024-11-08.
East Montpelier vs. Nearby Vermont Cities
How East Montpelier's water quality compares to similar cities in Vermont:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Montpelier | C | 12 | 3 | 530 |
| Montgomery Center | C | 0 | 1 | 530 |
| Montgomery | B | 3 | 1 | 530 |
| Rupert | C | 0 | 1 | 530 |
Common Questions About East Montpelier Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in East Montpelier, Vermont:
Is East Montpelier water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. East Montpelier's 3 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink East Montpelier tap water? East Montpelier's water receives a grade of C (69/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for East Montpelier? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
East Montpelier vs. Vermont Average
Understanding how East Montpelier compares to the broader Vermont average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within East Montpelier.
ZIP Codes in East Montpelier
East Montpelier spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 05651. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
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
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.