Brattleboro Water Department Water Company

Water sources (both tap and bottled) include surface water (lakes, streams) and ground water (wells, springs). As water flows across land or through soil, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and can pick up substances from animal presence and human activity. Some contaminants may pose health risks, while others like iron and sulfur are harmless but affect taste and odor.

Public water systems treat water to remove harmful contaminants according to regulations established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Vermont state guidelines. These regulations set limits on various contaminant types:

• Microbial contaminants from sewage facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants like salts and metals from urban runoff, wastewater discharges, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Nitrogen-based herbicides from stormwater runoff, agriculture, and residential use
• Radioactive contaminants occurring naturally or resulting from mining
• Organic contaminants including synthetic and volatile chemicals from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, and waste systems

The water quality data table lists all drinking water contaminants detected during recent testing periods. While some substances appear in our water supply, their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. Regular monitoring ensures your drinking water meets safety standards.

1. Where does Brattleboro Water Department water come from?
   Brattleboro Water Department supplies surface water to Brattleboro, Vermont.
2. Does Brattleboro Water Department test its tap water?
   Yes. Like every public water system, Brattleboro Water Department must test its water under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and publish an annual water quality report (Consumer Confidence Report). Ask the utility for the latest report or look for it on its website.
3. How do I contact Brattleboro Water Department?
   Call 802-254-4255 or visit 211 Fairground Road, Brattleboro, VT 5301, or use the contact options on the utility’s website.
4. Does Brattleboro Water Department water contain lead?
   Water usually leaves the treatment plant without lead. Lead can enter tap water from older service lines, solder and brass fixtures inside homes, especially when water sits in the pipes. Run the tap before drinking if water has been sitting, and ask the utility about lead testing and service line records.
5. Is Brattleboro Water Department water hard?
   Hardness depends on the source and changes over time. The annual water quality report lists hardness, or you can test it at home. If it is above about 7 grains per gallon, a water softener sized to your measured hardness will stop scale and spotting.