About four out of 10 Vermont households drink water from private wells or springs. If you have a private well or spring, you are responsible for testing the quality of your drinking water and maintaining your well or spring.
Testing your water
The wells and springs that supply your drinking water are susceptible to contaminants that could affect your health – bacteria and viruses from septic waste and disposal, naturally occurring chemicals like arsenic and manganese, petroleum products, pesticides and radiation.
You do not know what is in your water until you test it. The Health Department recommends testing your private well or spring for bacteria, inorganic chemicals and gross alpha radiation.
Do you receive a water bill? The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation regulates public water treatment systems.
Learn more about public drinking water
Do you use water from roadside springs for drinking or cooking? Spring water can contain bacteria or chemicals that you can’t see, taste or smell, even if the water is clear.
Treating your water
If there are high levels of contaminants in your drinking water, the Health Department recommends treating it.
Contact Us
We can help you with questions about drinking water quality and human health.
Private Drinking Water Program
Phone: 802-489-7339
Email: [email protected]
