C48/100
Olympia Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 122,974 residents · Washington
What's In Olympia's Tap Water?
67
Contaminants Tested
3
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
4 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 1.80 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
PFOS | 0.006 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
PFOA | 0.004 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.004 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
1
Violation (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2025 – August 19, 2025Enforcement: 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
NISQUALLY-LESCHI & WEST NISQUALLY
Population Served
3,200
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
105300014
GRAND MOUND
Population Served
3,764
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WA5307158
BOSTON HARBOR
Population Served
1,153
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WA5307850
CARLYON BEACH HOMEOWNERS
Population Served
1,273
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WA5311159
OLYMPIA CITY OF
Population Served
113,584
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WA5363450
Frequently Asked Questions About Olympia Water
Is Olympia tap water safe to drink?
Olympia, Washington tap water receives a grade of C (48/100), which is considered fair. 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 551 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Olympia's water?
Of the 67 contaminants tested in Olympia's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), PFOS, PFOA, Lead (90th percentile). 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 4 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Olympia have any water quality violations?
Yes, Olympia has 551 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MCL, Other, TT. 12 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Olympia?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Olympia is recommended. 3 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 Olympia's tap water come from?
Olympia's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by NISQUALLY-LESCHI & WEST NISQUALLY and 4 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 122,974 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Olympia'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. Olympia'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 Olympia's water compare to other cities in Washington?
Olympia's water quality score of 48/100 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 Olympia's water quality?
If you have concerns about Olympia'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 (NISQUALLY-LESCHI & WEST NISQUALLY) 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.