C54/100
Poulsbo Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 59,907 residents · Washington
What's In Poulsbo'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) | 0.002 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
1
Violation (last 5yr)
1
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
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
NORTH PENINSULA
Population Served
16,449
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WA5305122
NEWBERRY HILL
Population Served
1,143
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WA5306136
WEST KITSAP
Population Served
2,248
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WA5308367
INDIANOLA WATER
Population Served
1,705
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WA5335650
KEYPORT WATER
Population Served
1,202
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WA5338550
MILLER BAY
Population Served
1,072
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WA5354683
NORTH BAINBRIDGE WATER CO
Population Served
5,490
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WA5359994
POULSBO CITY OF
Population Served
17,180
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WA5369150
SOUTH BAINBRIDGE
Population Served
4,414
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WA5381451
SUQUAMISH
Population Served
4,203
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WA5386400
VINLAND
Population Served
4,801
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WA5391923
Frequently Asked Questions About Poulsbo Water
Is Poulsbo tap water safe to drink?
Poulsbo, Washington tap water receives a grade of C (54/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 684 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Poulsbo's water?
Of the 73 contaminants tested in Poulsbo'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 Poulsbo have any water quality violations?
Yes, Poulsbo has 684 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, MR, MON. 35 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Poulsbo?
Poulsbo 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 Poulsbo's tap water come from?
Poulsbo's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by NORTH PENINSULA and 10 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 59,907 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Poulsbo'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. Poulsbo'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 Poulsbo's water compare to other cities in Washington?
Poulsbo's water quality score of 54/100 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 Poulsbo's water quality?
If you have concerns about Poulsbo'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 (NORTH PENINSULA) 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.