F13/100
Birch Bay Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 9,019 residents · Washington
What's In Birch Bay's Tap Water?
51
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.002 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2014.
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
BIRCH BAY WATER & SEWER DISTRICT
Population Served
9,019
Water Source
Purchased Groundwater
System ID
WA5395904
Frequently Asked Questions About Birch Bay Water
Is Birch Bay tap water safe to drink?
Birch Bay, Washington tap water receives a grade of F (13/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 28 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Birch Bay's water?
Of the 51 contaminants tested in Birch Bay's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Birch Bay have any water quality violations?
Yes, Birch Bay has 28 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2014. Violation types include Other, MCL, MR. 14 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Birch Bay?
Birch Bay water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Birch Bay's tap water come from?
Birch Bay's drinking water is sourced from purchased groundwater and supplied by BIRCH BAY WATER & SEWER DISTRICT. The system serves approximately 9,019 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Birch Bay's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Birch Bay's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Birch Bay's water compare to other cities in Washington?
Birch Bay's water quality score of 13/100 earns a grade of F, which is considered failing. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our Washington state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Birch Bay's water quality?
If you have concerns about Birch Bay's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (BIRCH BAY WATER & SEWER DISTRICT) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.