Water Hardness in Vermont (VT)
Vermont has an average water hardness of 20 ppm (1.2 grains per gallon), which is classified as Soft . Vermont enjoys naturally soft water that requires no softening treatment. Residents benefit from easy soap lathering, spot-free dishes, and long-lasting plumbing and appliances. Water hardness varies between cities — from 8 ppm in Bennington to 32 ppm in Burlington.
Water Hardness by City in Vermont
The table below shows water hardness data for 8 cities in Vermont, sorted from hardest to softest. Click any city name for detailed information including water source, treatment recommendations, and estimated hard water costs.
| City | Hardness (PPM) | Grains/Gallon | Level | Water Source | pH | TDS | Utility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington | 32 ppm | 1.9 gpg | Soft | Surface | 7.2 | 50 | Burlington Department of Public Works |
| Essex Junction | 28 ppm | 1.6 gpg | Soft | Surface | 7.1 | 44 | Champlain Water District |
| St. Albans | 25 ppm | 1.5 gpg | Soft | Surface | 7 | 40 | St. Albans Water Department |
| Brattleboro | 18 ppm | 1.1 gpg | Soft | Surface | 6.9 | 30 | Brattleboro Water Department |
| Rutland | 15 ppm | 0.9 gpg | Soft | Surface | 6.8 | 25 | City of Rutland |
| Montpelier | 12 ppm | 0.7 gpg | Soft | Surface | 6.8 | 22 | City of Montpelier Water Department |
| Barre | 10 ppm | 0.6 gpg | Soft | Surface | 6.7 | 18 | City of Barre Water Department |
| Bennington | 8 ppm | 0.5 gpg | Soft | Surface | 6.7 | 14 | Bennington Water Department |
Understanding Water Hardness in Vermont
Water Sources in Vermont
The majority of cities in Vermont draw their water from surface sources such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Surface water generally contains fewer dissolved minerals than groundwater, which helps explain the overall hardness profile of the state. Cities that rely on surface water tend to have softer water because the water has less contact time with mineral-bearing rock formations underground.
Hardness Variation Across Vermont
Water hardness in Vermont ranges from 8 ppm in Bennington to 32 ppm in Burlington — a difference of 24 ppm. This variation means that treatment recommendations differ significantly between cities. Even the hardest water in Vermont is moderate enough that a water softener is optional rather than essential, though homeowners who value spotless dishes and softer-feeling water may still find one worthwhile. Meanwhile, Bennington enjoys naturally soft water that needs no treatment at all — an advantage that saves residents money on both equipment and ongoing maintenance.
How Vermont Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Vermont with five states that have similar average water hardness levels. Understanding how your state compares can help you gauge whether your water is typical for the region or unusually hard or soft.
| State | Avg Hardness | Level | Cities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont (VT) | 20 ppm | Soft | 8 |
| Massachusetts (MA) | 20 ppm | Soft | 8 |
| Maine (ME) | 15 ppm | Soft | 7 |
| New Hampshire (NH) | 15 ppm | Soft | 8 |
| Washington (WA) | 25 ppm | Soft | 8 |
| Oregon (OR) | 30 ppm | Soft | 8 |
Find Your City's Water Hardness
Use our water hardness lookup tool to find your specific city in Vermont, or browse all 50 states to compare water hardness across the country. If your water is hard, visit our treatment solutions guide to find the right softener or conditioner for your home.