Family Owned & Operated Since 1980
When Burlington homeowners and businesses need reliable water filtration, water softening, or water treatment solutions, they turn to Clear Water Filtration. As a family-owned Vermont company serving communities since 1980, we understand the unique water quality challenges that Burlington residents face. Clear Water Filtration provides water treatment in Burlington, VT, including installation, reverse osmosis, softeners and free testing, from licensed plumbers.
Schedule a Free Water Test Request ServiceTrusted Burlington Water Experts Since 1980
From the mineral-rich groundwater common in Chittenden County to concerns about PFAS contamination, hard water, and well water treatment, our team of licensed plumbers and certified water treatment specialists delivers solutions that protect your family's health and your home's plumbing infrastructure.
Our roots run deep in the Green Mountain State. We are proud members of the Water Quality Association and Vermont Rural Water Association, bringing over four decades of expertise to every Burlington home and business we serve. As an authorized, independent Kinetico dealer for more than 30 years, we offer some of the most advanced and efficient water treatment technologies available today.
Burlington draws its municipal water from Lake Champlain, which undergoes treatment at the Burlington Water Department facility. While the city maintains high standards for municipal water quality, many Burlington residents still experience water issues that affect their daily lives and the longevity of their home systems.
Private well owners in the greater Burlington area face even more diverse challenges, from naturally occurring contaminants to seasonal variations in water quality. Whether you receive municipal water from Burlington's system or rely on a private well, Clear Water Filtration has the expertise and technology to address your specific water quality concerns.
Know Your Water
The geological characteristics of the Lake Champlain Basin and surrounding Chittenden County create specific water quality patterns that Burlington homeowners frequently encounter:
Understanding exactly what's in your water is the first step toward solving water quality problems. Our comprehensive water testing services identify contaminants, measure mineral content, and reveal issues you might not even realize exist.
Residential Water Treatment Solutions
Burlington homeowners trust Clear Water Filtration for complete water treatment solutions that protect their families and homes. Our licensed plumbers install, maintain, and service systems designed to address the specific water quality challenges found throughout Chittenden County.
Hard water affects nearly every aspect of daily life in Burlington homes. The high mineral content common in our region causes scale buildup in pipes and water heaters, reduces the effectiveness of soaps and detergents, leaves spots on dishes and glassware, and causes dry skin and dull hair.
Our Kinetico water softening systems eliminate these problems using advanced ion exchange technology. Unlike electric water softeners that operate on timers, Kinetico systems are powered by the kinetic energy of moving water, making them incredibly efficient and reliable.
They regenerate based on actual water usage rather than preset schedules, ensuring consistent soft water while minimizing salt and water waste. Many Burlington homeowners notice the difference immediately, from softer laundry to reduced soap usage to longer-lasting appliances.
For comprehensive protection throughout your Burlington home, our point-of-entry (POE) filtration systems treat all water as it enters your residence. This approach ensures that every faucet, showerhead, and appliance receives filtered water, protecting both your health and your plumbing infrastructure.
Our whole-house filtration solutions address:
We customize each system based on your water chemistry, household size, and water usage patterns to deliver optimal performance for your Burlington home. See our full guide to whole house water filtration for Vermont homes.
When you want the highest quality drinking water right at your kitchen tap, our point-of-use (POU) systems deliver exceptional results. Reverse osmosis systems remove up to 99% of dissolved solids, contaminants, and impurities, providing Burlington families with pure, great-tasting water for drinking and cooking.
Our Kinetico K5 Drinking Water Station is one of the most advanced reverse osmosis systems available, featuring a flexible design that can be customized with additional filtration cartridges to target specific contaminants in your Burlington water.
Whether you're concerned about lead, arsenic, PFAS, or simply want the best possible water quality, these systems deliver.
Burlington residents who rely on private wells or want additional protection against bacteria and viruses benefit from our Viqua ultraviolet disinfection systems. UV treatment destroys 99.99% of harmful microorganisms without adding chemicals to your water, making it an environmentally friendly and highly effective solution.
UV systems are particularly important for Burlington well owners who may experience seasonal bacterial contamination or who want peace of mind knowing their water is free from disease-causing organisms. Our Viqua systems are easy to maintain and provide continuous protection for your family.
PFAS contamination has become a growing concern throughout Vermont, including the Burlington area. These "forever chemicals" resist natural breakdown and can accumulate in the human body, linked to various health concerns. Clear Water Filtration specializes in PFAS treatment solutions that effectively remove these persistent contaminants from your drinking water.
We hold government contracts for PFAS/PFO treatment, demonstrating our expertise and the trust that institutions place in our capabilities. Our PFAS treatment systems utilize advanced filtration technologies, including specialized activated carbon and reverse osmosis, to reduce PFAS levels to safe concentrations.
Many properties in the greater Burlington area, particularly in more rural sections of Chittenden County, rely on private wells for their water supply. Well water treatment requires specialized knowledge of local geology and groundwater conditions, expertise that Clear Water Filtration has developed over more than four decades of serving Vermont communities.
Our comprehensive well water treatment systems address common contaminants including iron, manganese, arsenic, uranium, radon, nitrates, and bacteria. We start with thorough testing to understand exactly what's in your well water, then design a treatment system that targets your specific issues while remaining cost-effective to operate and maintain.
Drinking Water
Burlington reverse osmosis systems solve the problems that show up at the kitchen tap rather than at the water heater. On city water the usual complaint is chlorine and chloramine taste from municipal disinfection. On wells it is dissolved solids that leave a mineral flavor and cloud ice cubes. A reverse osmosis drinking water system pushes water through a sediment pre-filter, a carbon block and a semi-permeable membrane, then polishes it with a final carbon stage, so what reaches the glass is close to pure.
Reverse osmosis is also the final barrier we recommend when PFAS is a concern. Whole-house carbon does most of the work, and an RO stage at the drinking tap takes the last measurable fraction out of the water you actually consume. If a lab test has already found PFAS, start with PFAS water treatment in Burlington, VT.
The unit we install most often is the Kinetico K5 Drinking Water Station described above. It fits under the kitchen sink, feeds a dedicated faucet at the counter, and accepts additional cartridges when a specific contaminant needs targeting. Filter changes are an annual service visit, and the membrane lasts for years with proper pre-filtration. Compare configurations on our reverse osmosis systems for Vermont homes page, or ask for a free in-home test and we will tell you whether RO alone is enough or whether the whole house needs treatment first.
What to Expect
Water treatment installation in Burlington follows the same five steps every time. A licensed technician runs the free in-home test at your tap and explains the results before leaving. We design a system around those numbers rather than around a catalog. Our licensed plumbers install it, usually in a single day. We retest after installation to confirm the water is doing what the design said it would. Then a service plan keeps it that way.
For homes on city water, the system is often small: a softener for scale, a carbon filter for chlorine taste, or reverse osmosis at the kitchen tap. For the private wells in the hills and rural sections surrounding Burlington, the design usually starts with iron and hardness treatment and adds UV disinfection when a lab sample shows bacteria. Either way the equipment is sized to your household, not oversold.
Read the full process on our water treatment system installation page.
Burlington Services
Testing. The free in-home test measures hardness, iron, manganese, pH, TDS and chlorine at your tap with results in minutes, and we add a certified-lab sample for lead, arsenic or PFAS when the situation calls for it. Details, including how the in-home test compares with a mail-in lab kit, are on our water testing in Burlington, VT page.
Softeners. Kinetico non-electric twin-tank softeners regenerate on demand and never run out of soft water, which is why they are our first recommendation for Burlington households. Sizing, salt use and what installation day looks like are covered under water softener installation in Burlington, VT.
PFAS. Vermont enforces a 20 ppt MCL for regulated PFAS compounds, and treatment pairs whole-house carbon with reverse osmosis at the drinking tap. Testing options, treatment design and what the numbers mean are on our PFAS water treatment in Burlington, VT page.
Commercial Solutions
Burlington's thriving business community relies on Clear Water Filtration for commercial and industrial water treatment solutions. From restaurants and breweries to healthcare facilities and manufacturing operations, we understand that different industries have unique water quality requirements.
Burlington is home to a vibrant food and beverage scene, from farm-to-table restaurants to craft breweries. Water quality directly impacts product consistency and taste. We provide chlorine removal, hardness treatment, and filtration systems that help Burlington food and beverage businesses maintain the highest standards.
Medical facilities and laboratories require water that meets stringent purity standards. We provide deionized water systems, reverse osmosis units, and disinfection solutions for Burlington healthcare providers and research facilities. Our systems help ensure compliance with regulatory requirements while protecting sensitive equipment.
Burlington's hotels, inns, and resorts need water treatment solutions that protect guest comfort and facility infrastructure. Hard water creates problems ranging from spotted glassware to scale-damaged boilers. Our commercial water softening and filtration systems help Burlington hospitality businesses deliver exceptional guest experiences while reducing maintenance costs.
Industrial processes often require water meeting specific quality parameters. Clear Water Filtration designs and installs commercial-scale treatment systems for Burlington manufacturers, addressing flow rate requirements, water chemistry specifications, and redundancy needs for critical operations.
Your Trusted Partner
Burlington residents and businesses choose Clear Water Filtration for reasons that matter: local expertise, proven reliability, and genuine commitment to our Vermont community.
Clear Water Filtration is a second-generation family business. When Jen and Steve took over from their father, they continued a tradition of honest service, technical excellence, and community involvement that spans more than four decades.
Our long partnership with Kinetico reflects our commitment to offering the best water treatment technology available. Kinetico systems are known for their efficiency, reliability, and innovative non-electric designs. As an authorized dealer for over 30 years, we provide genuine Kinetico products, factory-trained installation, and expert service support.
Every installation is performed by licensed plumbers who understand Vermont plumbing codes and best practices. Our team members are trained in the latest water treatment technologies and techniques, ensuring your system is installed correctly and performs optimally from day one.
Water problems don't wait for convenient times. That's why Clear Water Filtration offers emergency service seven days a week, from 7 AM to 9 PM. When Burlington residents experience a water quality emergency, we're here to help.
802-496-5544We believe in giving back to the Vermont communities we serve. Clear Water Filtration is proud to be members of the Mad River Chamber of Commerce, sponsors of schools and daycares throughout Vermont, Vermont Foodbank sponsors, and active participants in our local community. Jen serves on the Technical Advisory Committee to the Governor of Vermont, advising on water quality concerns and issues.
Our Process
When you call Clear Water Filtration, you always speak with a real, local member of our team. We listen to your concerns and conduct an initial intake to ensure we provide the best possible service.
Within 24 hours, a team member calls you back to schedule your complimentary on-site consultation
Our water treatment specialist visits your Burlington home or business, walks through your water systems, and conducts a water test
We explain our findings and present solution options tailored to your specific situation and budget
Once you approve an estimate, we schedule service at your convenience and arrive prepared with everything needed
We treat your home or business with care, maintaining cleanliness and professionalism throughout
After installation, we schedule follow-up visits and remain available for maintenance and service needs
Service Coverage
While our main facility is located in Waitsfield, we provide comprehensive water treatment services throughout Chittenden County and beyond. Burlington customers benefit from our extensive service network covering:
No matter where you're located in the greater Burlington region, Clear Water Filtration brings the same commitment to quality service and customer satisfaction.
We believe every Burlington family deserves access to clean, safe water. That's why we offer an internal community assistance fund to help make water treatment solutions accessible to families who might otherwise struggle with the investment. Additionally, Burlington residents may qualify for Vermont's Healthy Homes Grant program.
Local Water Data
Hard water is a fact of life for most Burlington homeowners, but the level of hardness varies significantly depending on whether your home uses Champlain Water District municipal supply or a private well.
Burlington's municipal water comes from Lake Champlain via Champlain Water District treatment. Surface water drawn from the lake typically falls in a moderate hardness range. While this level is manageable, it is still enough to cause gradual scale accumulation in water heaters, dishwashers, and coffee makers over time - and many Burlington homeowners notice spots on glassware and fixtures that trace back to mineral content in their tap water.
If you are on city water and noticing these signs, a water softener or salt-free conditioner can extend appliance life and reduce cleaning time throughout your home.
Homes on private wells in the hills and rural sections surrounding Burlington frequently encounter much harder water. Vermont's bedrock geology - particularly limestone and granite formations - dissolves calcium and magnesium into groundwater as it percolates down. Industry-typical hardness levels for Vermont bedrock wells can run significantly higher than municipal supply, sometimes reaching ranges that accelerate scale buildup, reduce water heater efficiency, and cause noticeable skin and hair dryness.
A free in-home water test is the only way to know exactly where your well water falls. Our certified specialists test hardness, iron, manganese, pH, TDS, and chlorine at no charge.
For sizing, pricing and installation, see Burlington water softener installation and service.
Schedule a Free Water TestPFAS Awareness
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have become one of the most closely watched water quality concerns in Vermont. These synthetic compounds - sometimes called "forever chemicals" because they do not break down naturally - have been detected in water sources across the state, and Vermont has been among the more proactive states in establishing protective drinking water limits.
Vermont set a maximum contaminant level (MCL) for certain PFAS compounds at 20 parts per trillion (ppt), which was one of the most protective state standards in the country when adopted. In 2024, the U.S. EPA established new federal MCLs for individual PFAS compounds and PFAS mixtures, tightening national standards further. Burlington homeowners on both municipal supply and private wells should understand where their water stands relative to these limits.
Municipal water utilities are required to test and report PFAS levels; private well owners bear responsibility for their own testing. If your Burlington home uses a well, proactive testing is the only way to know whether PFAS is present at levels of concern.
Clear Water Filtration holds government and municipal contracts for PFAS treatment in Vermont. That experience - working at the scale and rigor required by public agencies - translates directly to the residential PFAS solutions we bring to Burlington homes. Our Class III Water Operator on staff, Jen Fleckenstein (CWS), brings certified expertise to every PFAS assessment.
PFAS Treatment Systems Burlington PFAS ServicesThe two most effective technologies for PFAS removal at the residential level are high-capacity activated carbon filtration and reverse osmosis. We assess your specific situation and recommend the right approach - whether that is a whole-house carbon system, a point-of-use RO unit at your kitchen tap, or a combination of both.
Know What's in Your Water
Our complimentary in-home water test gives Burlington homeowners a clear picture of their water quality before committing to any solution. Here is what our standard free test covers, and where certified-lab testing comes in for more complex concerns.
Some contaminants require analysis at a certified laboratory rather than an in-home test kit. If your situation calls for it, we coordinate certified-lab testing for:
We walk you through which tests make sense for your home, your water source (municipal vs. private well), and your specific concerns - so you are never paying for tests you do not need.
Burlington Water TestingChoosing the Right System
Burlington homeowners dealing with hard water have two main categories of solution: traditional salt-based water softeners and salt-free water conditioners. The right choice depends on your hardness level, water chemistry, household preferences, and budget.
Salt-based softeners use ion exchange to physically remove calcium and magnesium from your water, replacing them with a small amount of sodium. The result is genuinely softened water - water that produces better lather, leaves no scale, and is easier on appliances. Our Kinetico systems are non-electric and regenerate based on actual water use, making them more efficient than timer-driven models.
Salt-free conditioners (such as the Aqua Bubble systems we carry) do not remove hardness minerals - instead, they alter the structure of those minerals so they are less likely to stick to surfaces as scale. No salt required, no sodium added, and minimal maintenance. They work best for homes with moderate hardness that want to reduce scale without the ongoing cost of salt.
| Feature | Salt-Based Softener (Kinetico) | Salt-Free Conditioner (Aqua Bubble) |
|---|---|---|
| Removes hardness minerals | Yes - via ion exchange | No - conditions without removing |
| Salt required | Yes | No |
| Best for | Moderate to high hardness, iron present, appliance protection | Light to moderate hardness, no-salt preference |
| Typical installed cost (VT, industry range) | Higher upfront investment; sized to hardness, iron, and household demand | Generally lower upfront cost than a salt-based softener |
Not sure which fits your Burlington home? Our free in-home water test reveals your actual hardness level and water chemistry, giving us the information needed to make a specific, honest recommendation.
Get a Free Water TestHear From Your Neighbors
Bill Cherry
Switchback Brewing
Lindsay Kurrle
Community Relations Coordinator
Win Smith
President
Ken Bisceglio
Regional Manager
We're Here to Help
Where We Serve
From our home base in Waitsfield, VT, we provide water treatment services throughout the Green Mountain State. Each community has its own water quality characteristics based on local geology and water sources - and after 45 years, we've tested thousands of wells across Vermont and understand the regional variations that affect which treatment approaches work best.
Let's Get Started Together
Every Burlington home and business deserves water that's clean, safe, and pleasant to use. Whether you're dealing with hard water that's damaging your appliances, concerned about PFAS or other contaminants, or simply want better-tasting water from every tap, Clear Water Filtration has the expertise and technology to help.
For more than four decades, Vermont families have trusted Clear Water Filtration to solve their water quality problems. As a second-generation family business, we take that trust seriously. We never recommend treatment you don't need, we always explain your options clearly, and we stand behind our work with ongoing service and support.
Don't let water quality problems continue to affect your family's health, comfort, and home. Burlington residents have trusted Clear Water Filtration since 1980, and we're ready to earn your trust too.
802-496-5544 Schedule Free Water Test
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