Washington Water Quality Report 2026

12 cities2,230,339 residentsUpdated March 2026

A85/100State Average
Washington has 12 cities in our database, serving approximately 2,230,339 residents. The average PurityMap score is 85.0/100 (Grade: A), which is 7.1 points above the US average of 77.9/100. Seattle has the cleanest water (85/100) while Seattle scores lowest (85/100) due to lower overall score.
Is Washington Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Safe to Drink

Washington tap water is safe to drink based on our analysis of 12 water systems serving 2,230,339 residents. The average PurityMap score is 85.0/100 (Grade: A), which is 7.1 points above the national average.

  • No major contaminant flags across Washington cities. All cities meet EPA federal drinking water standards.
Our Recommendation

Washington water is generally good quality. A carbon pitcher or faucet filter removes chlorine taste and provides extra protection. No major filtration investment is needed for most residents.

All 12 cities in Washington meet EPA federal drinking water standards as of 2026. However, EPA standards set legal limits — not health goals. Many contaminants are detected at levels that are legal but may still pose long-term health risks according to independent health organizations like the EWG.
Washington at a Glance
85Avg Purity Score
1.9Avg Hardness (GPG)
Soft
0Cities with PFAS
0Cities with Hard Water
1.1Avg Lead (ppb)
62Avg TDS (ppm)

Washington is 7.1 points above the US average of 77.9/100. Hardness is 4.4 GPG below the US average of 6.3 GPG.

Best & Worst Water in Washington
Consistent Quality

All 12 cities score similarly

85/100
Score Distribution

How Washington's 12 cities score on the PurityMap 0–100 scale:

Excellent (85–100)
12 cities
Good (70–84)
0 cities
Moderate (60–69)
0 cities
Poor (below 60)
0 cities
Largest Cities in Washington — Water Quality

Water quality for the most populated cities. Click any city for details.













CityPopulationScoreHardnessKey Issues
Seattle750K 85/1000.8 GPG—
Spokane229K 85/1006.7 GPG—
Tacoma220K 85/1001.5 GPG—
Vancouver191K 85/1002.5 GPG—
Bellevue148K 85/1000.8 GPG—
Kent137K 85/1001.5 GPG—
Everett113K 85/1000.5 GPG—
Renton104K 85/1001.0 GPG—
Federal Way99K 85/1003.5 GPG—
Bellingham92K 85/1000.6 GPG—
Kirkland92K 85/1000.8 GPG—
Olympia56K 85/1003.0 GPG—
Hard Water in Washington

Washington generally has soft to moderate water. Average: 1.9 GPG (Soft). Most residents do not need a softener.

PFAS in Washington Water

Based on EPA UCMR5 data, PFAS have not been detected above advisory levels in any Washington cities in our database as of 2026.

Lead in Washington Water

All Washington cities have lead below 5 ppb. Average: 1.1 ppb. Individual homes with older plumbing may have higher levels.

Water Sources in Washington

Where Washington gets its drinking water, based on 12 water systems.




Source TypeCities% of Total
Surface Water758%
Groundwater325%
Mixed (Ground + Surface)217%
Recommended Filter for Washington

Washington water is generally good. A carbon pitcher filter improves taste.

All Washington Cities — Ranked
#CityPop.ScoreHardnessLeadPFASTDS
1Seattle750K 85/1000.8 GPG (Soft)1.0 ppb✅ No22 ppm
2Spokane229K 85/1006.7 GPG (Moderate)1.5 ppb✅ No240 ppm
3Tacoma220K 85/1001.5 GPG (Soft)1.2 ppb✅ No35 ppm
4Vancouver191K 85/1002.5 GPG (Soft)1.5 ppb✅ No75 ppm
5Bellevue148K 85/1000.8 GPG (Soft)1.0 ppb✅ No22 ppm
6Kent137K 85/1001.5 GPG (Soft)1.2 ppb✅ No35 ppm
7Everett113K 85/1000.5 GPG (Soft)0.8 ppb✅ No15 ppm
8Renton104K 85/1001.0 GPG (Soft)1.2 ppb✅ No28 ppm
9Federal Way99K 85/1003.5 GPG (Soft)1.5 ppb✅ No130 ppm
10Olympia56K 85/1003.0 GPG (Soft)1.0 ppb✅ No105 ppm
11Kirkland92K 85/1000.8 GPG (Soft)1.0 ppb✅ No22 ppm
12Bellingham92K 85/1000.6 GPG (Soft)0.8 ppb✅ No18 ppm
Water Utilities in Washington

Washington has 10 utilities. Major: Seattle Public Utilities, Spokane Department of Utilities, Tacoma Public Utilities, Clark Public Utilities, City of Everett Public Works.

Sources: Cedar River and South Fork Tolt River watersheds, Spokane Valley Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer, Green River, Columbia River and groundwater, Cedar River watershed.

Frequently Asked Questions
Which city has the best water in Washington?
Seattle scores highest at 85/100. Source: Cedar River and South Fork Tolt River watersheds.
Which city has the worst water in Washington?
Seattle scores lowest at 85/100 due to lower overall score.
Is Washington water hard or soft?
Average hardness: 1.9 GPG (Soft). 4.4 GPG below the US average of 6.3 GPG. 0 of 12 cities have hard/very hard water.
Has PFAS been found in Washington water?
Based on EPA UCMR5 data, PFAS have not been detected above advisory levels in any Washington cities in our database as of 2026.
What water filter should I use in Washington?
Washington water is generally good. A carbon pitcher filter improves taste.
How does Washington water compare to the US average?
Score: 85.0/100 (7.1 points above US avg 77.9). Hardness: 1.9 GPG (4.4 GPG below US avg 6.3).
Where does Washington get its drinking water?Where does Washington get its drinking water?
Washington water comes from: Surface Water: 7 cities (58%), Groundwater: 3 cities (25%), Mixed (Ground + Surface): 2 cities (17%).
Data Sources & Methodology
  • EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System
  • EWG Tap Water Database
  • State utility Consumer Confidence Reports
  • USGS regional water monitoring data

PurityMap compiles publicly available data and does not perform independent testing.

How we analyze water Data sources
All Washington Cities with Water Reports

12 city water quality reports available for Washington.

12 Reports
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Showing all 12 cities
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