DRINKING WATER WARNING – Posted April 23, 2026

Hardwick Town Water System WSID # 5039

BOIL YOUR WATER BEFORE USING

Due to a break in the main water line, there is a strong possibility that your drinking water supply may have become contaminated on the way to the tap.  This situation presents a significant health risk to users of the Hardwick Town Water System. 

The Hardwick Town Water System is issuing a Boil Water Notice for all users, effective immediately.

What should I do?

DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.

Coliforms are bacteria which are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other; potentially-harmful, bacteria may be present.  When a water system is experiencing a failure of infrastructure the possibility exists for bacteria and other harmful organisms to enter the water distribution system and contaminate your drinking water supply.

People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be at increased risk. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1 (800) 426-4791.

What happened? What is being done?

Upon discovery of the leak on Wednesday April 22, water system personnel took immediate actions to isolate the leak area from the distribution network.  In addition disinfectant chlorine levels were verified and a total coliform test was taken.  In addition the VT DEC Drinking Water and Groundwater Protection Division was notified of the situation.  This Boil Water Notice will remain in effect until the water system is able to demonstrate that the quality and quantity of the drinking water meets State and Federal drinking water standards. This will be determined after additional total coliform testing and consultation with the contacts at the VT DEC Drinking Water and Groundwater Protection Division. 

The Hardwick Town Water System will inform you when the necessary testing and or repairs have been completed and tests show no bacteria present in the drinking water supply.  We anticipate resolving the problem within 2 to 3 business days. 

For more information, please contact David Upson (Hardwick Town Manager) at 802-472-6120.  

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

The Town of Hardwick Public Works Department will be conducting hydrant flushing during the week of April 20-24. Flushing will begin at North Main Street. All hydrants in the Village will be flushed. If you experience dirty water, please let your faucets run until the water clears. If you have any concerns, please contact the Town Manager’s office at 472-6120.