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Vermont
Contaminants in Your State
Coliform (TCR)
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
TTHM
Arsenic
Nitrate
Uranium-238
Lead
Coliform (TCR)
Description
Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and used as an indicator that other, potentially harmful, bacteria may be present. Coliforms found in more samples than allowed is a warning of potential problems.
Health Effects
Not a health threat in itself; it is used to indicate whether other potentially harmful bacteria may be present5
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Description
Haloacetic acids occur when naturally-occurring organic and inorganic materials in the water react with the disinfectants, chlorine and chloramine.
Health Effects
Increased risk of cancer
TTHM
Description
Trihalomethanes occur when naturally-occurring organic and inorganic materials in the water react with the disinfectants, chlorine and chloramine.
Health Effects
Liver, kidney or central nervous system problems; increased risk of cancer
Arsenic
Description
Arsenic is a semi-metal element in the periodic table. It is odorless and tasteless. It enters drinking water supplies from natural deposits in the earth or from agricultural and industrial practices. Approximately 90 percent of industrial arsenic in the U.S. is currently used as a wood preservative, but arsenic is also used in paints, dyes, metals, drugs, soaps, and semi-conductors. Agricultural applications, mining, and smelting also contribute to arsenic releases in the environment.
Health Effects
Skin damage or problems with circulatory systems, and may have increased risk of getting cancer
Nitrate
Description
Nitrates and nitrites are nitrogen-oxygen chemical units which combine with various organic and inorganic compounds. The greatest use of nitrates is as a fertilizer. Once taken into the body, nitrates are converted to nitrites.
Health Effects
Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrite in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue-baby syndrome.
Uranium-238
Description
The parent isotope of the uranium decay series, U-238 is an alpha emitter with a 4.4 billion year half life. It is controlled for its chemical risks to the kidney rather than its radioactivity.
Health Effects
Increased risk of cancer, kidney toxicity
Lead
Description
Lead is a toxic metal that was used for many years in products found in and around homes. Even at low levels, lead may cause a range of health effects including behavioral problems and learning disabilities. Children six years old and under are most at risk because this is when the brain is developing. The primary source of lead exposure for most children is lead-based paint in older homes. Lead in drinking water can add to that exposure.
Health Effects
Infants and children: Delays in physical or mental development; children could show slight deficits in attention span and learning abilities
Latest Boil Water Advisories
Date Reported | Location Affected | Number of People Affected | Cause | Time Lasted |
---|---|---|---|---|
2020-07-13 | Montpelier, Vermont | Unknown | Water Main Break | 4 Days |
2020-02-16 | Burlington, Vermont | Water Main Break | 2 Days |
All Boil Water Advisories →
Counties
County |
Incident Count
|
---|---|
ADDISON, VT |
301
|
BENNINGTON, VT |
445
|
CALEDONIA, VT |
375
|
CHITTENDEN, VT |
475
|
CLINTON, VT |
1
|
ESSEX, VT |
44
|
FRANKLIN, VT |
213
|
GRAFTON, VT |
16
|
GRAND ISLE, VT |
218
|
LAMOILLE, VT |
309
|
ORANGE, VT |
252
|
ORLEANS, VT |
349
|
PLYMOUTH, VT |
2
|
RUTLAND, VT |
1,233
|
WASHINGTON, VT |
533
|
WINDHAM, VT |
511
|
WINDSOR, VT |
560
|
YORK, VT |
24
|