ZIP Code 05401
Chittenden County, Vermont — Burlington
What This Means
Chittenden County, Vermont has moderately hard water, estimated at 110 mg/L (PPM). At this level, you may notice some mineral buildup on fixtures and inside appliances over time. A water softener is optional but can help extend appliance life. Most people don't notice significant issues at this hardness level.
What You Should Do
Hardness Details
| ZIP Code | 05401 |
| County | Chittenden |
| City | Burlington |
| State | Vermont (VT) |
| Hardness (PPM) | 110 mg/L — Moderately Hard |
| Hardness (GPG) | 6.4 grains/gallon |
| Classification | 61 - 120 mg/L |
Source: USGS Water Quality Portal, county-level median
Your Water Utility
| Utility Name | BURLINGTON DEPT PUBLIC WORKS WATER DIV |
| System ID | VT0005053 |
| Water Source | Surface water |
ⓘ Your utility may treat water before delivery, which can change hardness levels. Check your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for exact hardness values.
USGS Monitoring Data
| Monitoring Stations | 230 |
| Range | 5.6 – 364.2 mg/L |
| Most Recent Data | 2025 |
| Data Quality | Measured |
Source: USGS Water Quality Portal
Effects at 110 PPM Hardness
At 110 ppm, some minor effects are possible: slight soap scum on shower doors, occasional water spots on dishes and glassware. Sensitive skin may notice dryness after showers. Appliance efficiency is minimally affected, but you may see light mineral deposits on faucets over time.
Is Burlington Water Safe to Drink?
Yes. Hard water at 110 ppm in Burlington is safe to drink. The calcium and magnesium that make water hard are actually essential minerals your body needs daily. The World Health Organization confirms there are no health-based guidelines for water hardness.
At this level, taste is generally good. Most people will not notice a mineral flavor, and the water is perfectly suitable for drinking, cooking, and making coffee or tea.
Your Water vs National Average
Burlington water at 110 ppm is 10% harder than the US average of approximately 100 ppm. This is close to the national average. While not urgently requiring treatment, monitoring for scale buildup is advisable.
Best Solution for 110 PPM Water
Consider a shower filter ($15–40) for skin and hair benefits. At 110 ppm, a KDF or vitamin C shower filter can reduce mineral contact during bathing. A whole-house salt-free conditioner ($300–800) is an optional but effective way to prevent minor scale buildup on fixtures and appliances without adding sodium to your water.
Chittenden County Water Hardness Map
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Nearby ZIP Codes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water hardness for ZIP code 05401?
ZIP code 05401 is in Chittenden County, Vermont, with estimated water hardness of 110 mg/L (6.4 GPG), classified as moderately hard. The area is served by BURLINGTON DEPT PUBLIC WORKS WATER DIV.
Do I need a water softener in 05401?
With moderately hard water at 110 PPM, a water softener is optional. You may notice some minor scale buildup over time.
What county is ZIP code 05401 in?
ZIP code 05401 is in Chittenden County, Vermont (VT).
Is Burlington water hard or soft?
Burlington water is classified as moderately hard with an estimated hardness of 110 ppm (6.4 GPG). This is moderately hard — some minor mineral effects may be noticeable.
Is hard water in 05401 safe to drink?
Yes, hard water in ZIP code 05401 at 110 ppm is safe to drink. The calcium and magnesium minerals are actually beneficial for your health. At this level, the water tastes normal and requires no filtration for drinking purposes.
Will 110 PPM water damage my appliances?
At 110 ppm (moderately hard), minor scale buildup is possible over many years but significant appliance damage is unlikely. Regular descaling maintenance is sufficient.
Do I need a water softener in Chittenden County?
Chittenden County has moderately hard water at 110 ppm. A softener is optional but can help if you notice dry skin or minor scale.
Is Burlington water OK for aquariums and plants?
Generally yes. At 110 ppm, most freshwater fish and plants will do fine. Check species-specific requirements for sensitive fish.