City of Saint Albans

City of St. Albans
Frequently Asked Questions
Drinking Water, June 22, 2026

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 [email protected]. The City will absorb the cost.

CITY HALL CLOSED FOR JUNETEENTH
St. Albans City Hall will be closed on Friday, June 19 for the Juneteenth holiday.

More information about Juneteenth can be found at www.stalbansvt.com/juneteenth

SMOKE TESTING OF CITY STORM SYSTEM
On Tue. June 16th, consultants will be testing the storm system in the area of Lincoln Ave. and Fairfield St. They will blow a harmless form of smoke into storm drains and sewers. This is a common way to make sure that no sources of pollution are connected to our stormwater system, which drains directly into our brooks.

If you live or work in these areas, please pour water into your basement floor drains and into any unused sinks. This will seal the drain traps so that smoke cannot enter your building through the drain.

During the test, YOU MAY SEE SMOKE COMING FROM VENT STACKS ON BUILDINGS OR FROM HOLES IN THE GROUND. Don't be alarmed. The smoke has no odor, is non-toxic, non-staining, does not create a fire hazard, and will dissipate in a few minutes.

If you see any of this test smoke, or if you have any questions, please call Watershed Consulting Associates at 802-497-2367 ext. 4.

LOWER WELDEN STREET CLOSURE:
On Tue. June 16th, Lo. Welden St. will be closed to through-traffic from Allen St. to So. Elm St. for construction. Residents and property owners along that section of street will be able to enter and exit.

CHAMPIONSHIP PROCESSION NOTICE
The Bellows Free Academy - St. Albans, VT Softball Comets have won the D-1 Championship! There will be a procession of horns and sirens along Main Street and other streets, estimated between 9 and 10 pm, depending on how long it takes to get back from Castleton.

Comets win! 💫

NOTICE: SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME!
The Bellows Free Academy - St. Albans, VT Softball Comets are in Castleton getting ready for the Vermont State Division 1 Softball Championship Game against the Colchester Lakers at 4:30 pm.

Residents may hear a ruckus of horns and sirens proceeding through the City late tonight! (Based on how long it takes to get back from Castleton.)

Go Comets!