Chemical Contaminants

What You Need to Know About Manganese in Drinking Water Manganese is a metal found naturally in the Earth's crust, which means it can be found in your well or spring water. It is an essential nutrient for the human...

What You Need to Know About Nitrates and Nitrites in Drinking Water Nitrogen can take different forms in nature and is important for life in both plants and animals. The most common form of nitrogen found in well water is...

Gross alpha radiation is a type of energy released when certain radioactive elements decay or break down and can be found in your drinking water.

Private water supplies are monitored and maintained by their owners, so it is important for them to do their own water testing and maintenance to make sure their drinking water remains safe.

Air Quality in Your Home National studies have shown that air pollution in our homes can be more of a health concern than air pollution outside. Indoor pollutant levels may, in fact, be many times higher than outdoor levels. There...

Carbon Monoxide in Your Home Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas you cannot see or smell. It is produced when liquid, solid or gas fuel is burned — such as natural gas, propane, oil, charcoal, wood and wood pellets...

Using Pesticides in Your Home Pests in and around our homes can be a nuisance. Pests include insects (for example, cockroaches, bed bugs, wasps, and garden bugs), rodents (for example, mice and rats), and weeds. The pesticides, or chemicals, we...

Any flood or major rainstorm that generates significant runoff could contaminate your water supply making it unsafe to drink. Find out what you need to do.

Learn how to make sure your well or spring is properly constructed and maintained to help keep your drinking water safe from contaminants. Find information and requirements for real estate transactions and rental properties.

Public drinking water systems are regulated by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation. However, the Health Department recommends testing your water for lead. Learn more about testing for lead and other public drinking water concerns.