Water Service

The Department of Public Service and the Public Service Board regulate only privately-owned water companies. Many but not all of these are also regulated by the Water Supply Division, Department of Environmental Conservation, Agency of Natural Resources. Vermont's small private water companies continue to struggle to remain viable and to meet the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SWDA) of 1974, and its 1986 amendments and 1996 reauthorization. Some of these companies lack management resources, access to reasonably-priced capital, or have other problems affecting their overall viability. Many small companies have been taken over by municipalities, fire districts, or other consumer-owned entitites that are better able to operate these systems in a sustainable manner. DPS generally encourages such transfers, and works with customers to help them evaluate their options.

The Water Supply Division, focuses on water quality. The Department of Public Service advocates for consumers and the public interest while making recommendations on all water company petitions filed with the Public Service Board. The Public Service Board has the formal authority to grant, deny or modify petitions of companies.

Private water companies must obtain approval from the Public Service Board for a variety of actions including: obtaining a Certificate of Public Good to sell water to consumers; changing rates charged for water; changing rules or regulations in the company’s tariff; borrowing money; and selling assets or stock.

Municipal and non-profit cooperatives or associations that sell water only to their members are not subject to PSB jurisdiction.

The Department of Public Service provides guidance to companies in the process of filing a petition with the PSB. The Water Supply Division, through its Capacity Development Initiative, provides assistance in the preparation of submissions through a state-contracted firm.

Drinking water information resources

The Water Supply Division protects public health by assuring safe, affordable drinking water and by managing the water resources which provide drinking water. WSD is a division of the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation in the Agency of Natural Resources.

The Vermont Rural Water Association (VRWA) is a nonprofit association of water and wastewater systems throughout the state. Its mission is to promote public health and a clean environment by supporting Vermont water and wastewater facilities.

The New England Water Works Association (NEWWA) is a non-profit organization incorporated in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Association is the leading authority on education, training opportunities and public outreach to protect and improve drinking water and water utility operations.

The American Water Works Association (AWWA) is an international nonprofit scientific and educational society dedicated to the improvement of drinking water quality and supply.

The National Association of Water Companies (NAWC) is the only national trade association that exclusively represents the private and investor-owned water utility industry.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) works to develop and enforce regulations that implement environmental laws enacted by Congress. EPA is responsible for researching and setting national standards for a variety of environmental programs, and delegates to states and tribes the responsibility for issuing permits and for monitoring and enforcing compliance. Where national standards are not met, EPA can issue sanctions and take other steps to assist the states and tribes in reaching the desired levels of environmental quality.

EPA web site for water
EPA web site for kids

Department of Public Service Contact for water issues:

Susan S. Martin
Vermont Department of Public Service
112 State Street, Drawer 20
Montpelier, Vermont 05620-2601
802-828-4075
Fax 802-828-2342
susan.martin@state.vt.us