C58/100
Pasco Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 116,342 residents · Washington
What's In Pasco's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
2
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
chlorate | 309.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
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 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
PASCO WATER DEPARTMENT
Population Served
116,342
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
WA5366400
Frequently Asked Questions About Pasco Water
Is Pasco tap water safe to drink?
Pasco, Washington tap water receives a grade of C (58/100), which is considered fair. 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 Pasco's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Pasco's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile), chlorate. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Pasco have any water quality violations?
Yes, Pasco has 28 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2017. Violation types include MR, Other, MCL. 2 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Pasco?
Pasco 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. 2 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Pasco's tap water come from?
Pasco's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by PASCO WATER DEPARTMENT. The system serves approximately 116,342 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Pasco'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. Pasco'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 Pasco's water compare to other cities in Washington?
Pasco's water quality score of 58/100 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 Pasco's water quality?
If you have concerns about Pasco'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 (PASCO WATER DEPARTMENT) 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.