C40/100
Joint Base Lewis-Mcchord Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 71,612 residents · Washington
What's In Joint Base Lewis-Mcchord's Tap Water?
66
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.001 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2010.
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
JBLM Lewis
Population Served
58,497
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WA5326050
JBLM McChord Field
Population Served
13,115
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WA5352200
Frequently Asked Questions About Joint Base Lewis-Mcchord Water
Is Joint Base Lewis-Mcchord tap water safe to drink?
Joint Base Lewis-Mcchord, Washington tap water receives a grade of C (40/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 132 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Joint Base Lewis-Mcchord's water?
Of the 66 contaminants tested in Joint Base Lewis-Mcchord'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 Joint Base Lewis-Mcchord have any water quality violations?
Yes, Joint Base Lewis-Mcchord has 132 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2015. Violation types include MR, MCL. 3 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Joint Base Lewis-Mcchord?
Joint Base Lewis-Mcchord 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 Joint Base Lewis-Mcchord's tap water come from?
Joint Base Lewis-Mcchord's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by JBLM Lewis and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 71,612 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Joint Base Lewis-Mcchord'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. Joint Base Lewis-Mcchord'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 Joint Base Lewis-Mcchord's water compare to other cities in Washington?
Joint Base Lewis-Mcchord's water quality score of 40/100 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 Joint Base Lewis-Mcchord's water quality?
If you have concerns about Joint Base Lewis-Mcchord'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 (JBLM Lewis) 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.