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Burlington Tap Water: 2000 Quality Report
Where does our drinking water come from in Burlington?
Most of the Burlington community receives their water supply from Lake Champlain. Water is pumped from Lake Champlain to a water treatment plant where it is purified and then pumped throughout the area.
The Burlington Public Works Water Division supplies Burlington with water and based on their 1998 water quality report the water the community is receiving meets and surpasses all state and federal standards. Through the Partnership for Safe Water, which is a program supported by the Environmental Protection Agency, water suppliers like the Burlington Public Works Water Division work with federal and state agencies to help protect community members from hazardous material that could make its way into our water.
Water quality standards were developed and enforced under the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1986, these set national standards to be enforced by the states. Vermont has gained applause on a national basis; in 1998 the Champlain Water District was one of five water suppliers in the nation to gain national recognition by the EPA.
Federal and state standards are based on limits of microbial contaminants, inorganic contaminants, herbicides, pesticides, organic chemical contaminants and radioactive contaminants. The Burlington Community has had considerable problems with contamination from inorganic contaminants such as lead and copper (BFP, 1986). Lead and copper contamination usually happens not as a result from bad practices of the supplier but from contamination that occurs when the water enters the home.
Many pipes used for plumbing and the soldering used to secure those pipes is usually made from lead and copper. Water sitting in pipes over night or stagnant for extended periods of time can become contaminated with harmful levels of lead and copper. Lead can cause brain damage, learning disabilities, impair coordination and is especially harmful to children and pregnant women. Copper on the other hand can cause stomachaches, diarrhea, and serious problems from long-term exposure.
The EPA as well as other municipal authorities urge community members to let the faucet run for 60 seconds to clear contaminated water from the pipes. Furthermore local water suppliers are able to answer questions, give advice and recommend testing methods that can be done easily and inexpensively at home. Contact your local water supplier with further questions.
EPA Lauds Champlain Drinking Water District. BFP. Jan. 28, 1998. 3B:5
Lead in Drinking Water Still a Concern. BFP. Dec. 21, 1986. 1A:1
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