North Hero, VT Water Safety: 90/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
The water systems supplying North Hero show a track record of above-average compliance with federal standards — consistently among the better performers in VT.
How North Hero Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for North Hero Residents
- Average lead level: 0.0016 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 62% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.38 — above typical levels.
North Hero's Water Providers
With 3 utilities splitting service in North Hero, VT, water accountability is distributed across 3 systems on the federal record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in North Hero, Vermont (population ~1,264), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 4,926 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in North Hero — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for North Hero: A (90/100)
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
North Hero water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0016 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)
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05474 | A | North Hero Water System | 2,750 |
All ZIP Codes in North Hero
- 05474 [A]
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.
North Hero 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
North Hero Infrastructure Age
With 62% 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
The median home in North Hero was built in 1972 — a figure that places most of the city's residential stock in the era when lead solder was still standard in copper plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead-soldered joints; those built before 1970 face the additional possibility of lead pipes in the service line itself.
Over half of homes in North Hero 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 North Hero
For most homeowners in North Hero, the estimated cost of water and safety remediation represents a proportionally modest share of what properties are worth — placing this area in the lower tier of the remediation share scale.
Remediation costs in North Hero are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 44% above the Vermont average.
North Hero: 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.
Despite citywide averages serving as the standard public reference point, those aggregates cannot resolve what is happening at one specific faucet — and where 62% of North Hero homes come from before the solder rule or where utility samples sit at or above the action mark, the gap between system data and faucet reality matters more than it does in lower-exposure communities. An in-home draw closes that gap, with certified filtration through retailer networks available where confirmed faucet results warrant additional measures.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
North Hero: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
100% of ZIP codes in North Hero are mapped into FEMA-designated flood zones, and the NFIP records 33 claims reflecting a multi-event flood history. That combination places local flood exposure in the range where water-quality implications deserve at least periodic attention.
North Hero has a moderate flood history with 33 FEMA claims averaging $18,981 per payout. 100% 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>$1,200</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 North Hero, VT