C43/100
Buckley Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 57,990 residents · Washington
What's In Buckley's Tap Water?
70
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 1.58 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.002 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
2
Violations (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2024 – February 20, 2025Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2021 – May 9, 2022Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
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
BONNEY LAKE WATER DEPARTMENT CITY
Population Served
42,654
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
WA5307650
BUCKLEY WATER
Population Served
7,411
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
WA5309000
PACIFIC CITY OF
Population Served
7,925
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WA5365300
Frequently Asked Questions About Buckley Water
Is Buckley tap water safe to drink?
Buckley, Washington tap water receives a grade of C (43/100), which is considered fair. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 191 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Buckley's water?
Of the 70 contaminants tested in Buckley's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Buckley have any water quality violations?
Yes, Buckley has 191 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include Other, MR, MCL. 3 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Buckley?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Buckley is recommended. 1 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does Buckley's tap water come from?
Buckley's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by BONNEY LAKE WATER DEPARTMENT CITY and 2 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 57,990 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Buckley'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. Buckley'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 Buckley's water compare to other cities in Washington?
Buckley's water quality score of 43/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our Washington state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Buckley's water quality?
If you have concerns about Buckley'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 (BONNEY LAKE WATER DEPARTMENT CITY) 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.