About four out of 10 Vermont households drink water from private wells or springs.

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diagram of different wells
Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada

If your water does not come from a town or city water system, you are using a private drinking water source. Types of private drinking water sources include drilled wells, shallow dug wells and groundwater springs. 

You are responsible for testing the quality of your drinking water and maintaining your well or spring. Private water sources for household use are not regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the State of Vermont, except if you drill a new well.

Private Drinking Water Sources

The three main sources of private drinking water in Vermont are drilled wells, dug wells and springs. These sources draw drinking water from groundwater. Surface water is another source of drinking water for some, but is not recommended as a drinking water source for private residences. Learn more about these private drinking water sources:

How to Make Sure Your Water is Safe to Drink

Test your drinking water regularly. The Health Department recommends testing your water for bacteria, inorganic chemicals and gross alpha radiation. Learn more about testing your water

Inspect your private drinking water sources regularly. The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) sets standards for location, construction and water quality testing of drilled wells, dug wells and springs. The DEC also requires all well drillers in Vermont to be licensed.

Keep chemicals away from your private water supply. Store and dispose of household and lawn care chemicals and change engine or transmission oils or other car fluids as far from your water supply as possible. Check with your town or local solid waste district for the best ways to recycle or dispose of chemical products.

If you think there is an issue with your private drinking water:

  • Contact the Drinking Water Program for treatment options or for questions about contaminants in drinking water and their health effects. Call 802-863-7220 or 800-439-8550 (toll-free in Vermont) or email AHS.VDHEnvHealth@vermont.gov.
  • Contact the Health Department Laboratory for a testing schedule, to order test kits, or to discuss your water test results. Call 802-338-4736 or 800-660-9997 (toll-free in Vermont).

 

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