November 21, 2023

About Vermont Tracking Program

The Vermont (VT) Tracking Program provides data in maps, charts, and tables as a part of the state’s continuing effort to help Vermonters better understand the relationship between their environment and their health.

Accomplishments

Lead Testing of Drinking Water in Schools and Childcare Facilities

In 2017, the Vermont Tracking Program assisted with a multi-agency pilot project to test for lead in drinking water. They provided testing supplies, analysis, follow-up testing, and outreach materials to 16 public schools. After the pilot project, Vermont passed a law in 2019. The law requires testing for lead in drinking and cooking water by school districts, supervisory unions, independent schools, and childcare providers.

Vermont Tracking continues to assist the health department's work to help schools and childcare providers with the testing process. Tracking provides water test materials, guidance, and support.

PFOA Response

In February 2016, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was detected in the drinking water of several homes on private wells. This launched a response from the state health department. Vermont Tracking staff helped organize a public health investigation to determine who may have been exposed to PFOA. They also looked at how to stop or reduce further exposure. Read a summary of the investigation findings in this report.

Birth Information Network

Vermont Tracking supports Vermont's birth defects registry. The registry conducts statewide, population-level surveillance of selected birth defects. It also documents possible links to environmental and chemical exposures.

Private Drinking Water Testing

Vermont Tracking conducted statewide outreach about the importance of testing private drinking water for contaminants. They focused efforts on areas of the state known to have elevated risk of drinking water contamination. The number of private drinking water tests completed has more than doubled since 2012. In 2019, a state law passed that requires testing on all newly drilled wells.

Unique Data

All state and local tracking programs collect and display a set of standard data. But individual programs may host other data that are important to their populations. VT Tracking's unique data include the following.

Cyanobacteria (Blue-Green Algae) Tracker

Healthy Vermonters 2030

Heat Vulnerability Index

Pollen in Vermont

Radon Risk in Vermont

Social Vulnerability Index

Sub-County Cancer Data