A89/100
Burien Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 16,065 residents · Washington
What's In Burien's Tap Water?
68
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2017.
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
KING COUNTY WATER DISTRICT #49
Population Served
16,065
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
WA5339800
Frequently Asked Questions About Burien Water
Is Burien tap water safe to drink?
Burien, Washington tap water receives a grade of A (89/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 68 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in Burien's water?
68 contaminants were tested in Burien's water supply. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs) or health goals (MCLGs), which is a positive indicator of water quality.
Does Burien have any water quality violations?
Yes, Burien has 7 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2017. Violation types include Other, MCL, MR. 1 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Burien?
Burien 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. All contaminants are within health goals.
Where does Burien's tap water come from?
Burien's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by KING COUNTY WATER DISTRICT #49. The system serves approximately 16,065 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Burien'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. Burien'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 Burien's water compare to other cities in Washington?
Burien's water quality score of 89/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Burien among the better-performing water systems in Washington. Visit our Washington state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Burien's water quality?
If you have concerns about Burien'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 (KING COUNTY WATER DISTRICT #49) 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.