Drinking Water Frequently Asked Questions

1.     What was the violation that required notification by the EPA?

The EPA required St. Albans to complete a lead survey inventory of its entire system from the plant to the building entrance of each customer.  This requires individual inspection of each property and St. Albans has about 4,200 of them.  We have been working on it since 2024 but have not completed the survey.  The violation was that the survey was not completed in time.

2.     What is the standard for EPA action level around lead testing and has the City ever violated that?

The EPA's lead action level is based on the 90th percentile of all samples collected. For a system that collects 30 samples, the fourth-highest result determines whether the system exceeds the action level of 15 parts per billion (ppb). In the City's most recent sampling of 30 properties, only one sample exceeded 15 ppb, and the City's 90th percentile result remained below the EPA action level.

 

3.     When there is a lead detection, where is it typically found? 

It is typically found within the home owner’s section of the system or at the gooseneck where the main and the service line connect.

4.     Who pays for fixing it and when does it have to be fixed by?

There continues to be conversation at the federal level to create a fund to pay for some of these improvements.  If that does not occur, it would likely be covered by our ordinance which allocates responsibility 50/50 between the main and the curb stop, and 100 percent to the property owner between the curb stop and the property.  EPA has a target date of 2037.

5.     How can I get a water test at my house and who will pay for it?

If you want to have your water tested, contact Matt Mulheron, Chief Water Operator at m.mulheron@stalbansvt.com.  The City will absorb the cost.