Drinking Water

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.

What You Need to Know About Hardness in Drinking Water Water described as “hard” contains high amounts of calcium and magnesium, which are naturally found in the Earth's crust. Total hardness is the sum of the calcium and magnesium concentrations...

For Immediate Release: July 12, 2024 Media Contact: Ben Truman │ Department of Health 802-316-2117 │ 802-863-7280 AHS.VDHMedia@vermont.gov Health Department Resources and Guidance for Safe Flood Recovery HealthVermont.gov/Flood WATERBURY, VT – As people throughout Vermont begin recovery from yet another...

Vermont law requires all schools and licensed or registered child care facilities to test their drinking water for lead and remediate if levels are at or above 4 parts per billion (ppb).

What You Need to Know About Hydrogen Sulfide in Drinking Water Hydrogen sulfide gas can occur in wells anywhere in Vermont and gives the water a characteristic "rotten egg" taste or smell. Hydrogen sulfide gas or sulfur bacteria in your...

What You Need to Know About Iron in Drinking Water Iron is a metal found naturally in the Earth’s crust, which means it can be found in your well or spring water.

What You Need to Know About Lead in Drinking Water Lead is a highly toxic metal. It can be found in both public and private water systems, in household plumbing, and in well components. Until around the 1950s, lead pipes...

Act 66, passed in 2019, requires all Vermont school and child care providers to test their drinking and cooking water for lead. If lead is found at or above the action level, the tap must be taken out of service...

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...

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires that public water systems use chlorine for disinfection at the water treatment facility.