D32/100

Spokane Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)

Serving 422,776 residents · Washington

What's In Spokane's Tap Water?

73
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
Lead (90th percentile)
0.002 mg/L0.015 mg/LAbove Goal

EPA Violation History

No violations in the past 5 years

Full EPA compliance since 1979.

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

IRVIN WATER DISTRICT #6
Population Served

4,150

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

WA5336050

MILLWOOD CITY OF
Population Served

1,925

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

WA5354850

MODEL IRRIGATION DIST #18
Population Served

7,903

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

WA5355550

MODERN ELECTRIC WATER CO
Population Served

18,487

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

WA5355600

North Spokane Irrigation District 8
Population Served

2,214

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

WA5361300

ORCHARD AVENUE IRRIGATION DIST 6
Population Served

4,330

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

WA5364000

PASADENA PARK IRR DIST 17
Population Served

6,269

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

WA5366300

SPOKANE CITY OF
Population Served

343,167

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

WA5383100

TRENTWOOD IRRIGATION DISTRICT 3
Population Served

4,228

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

WA5389250

SPO CO WATER DIST 3 SYS 1
Population Served

18,983

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

WA5393351

SPO CO WATER DIST 3 SYS 3
Population Served

3,765

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

WA5393353

SPO CO WATER DIST 3 SYS 4
Population Served

6,155

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

WA5393354

WHITWORTH UNIVERSITY
Population Served

1,200

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

WA5396580

Frequently Asked Questions About Spokane Water

Is Spokane tap water safe to drink?

Spokane, Washington tap water receives a grade of D (32/100), which is considered poor. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 1310 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.

What contaminants are in Spokane's water?

Of the 76 contaminants tested in Spokane's water supply, the most notable include PFOS, PFOA, Lead (90th percentile). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.

Does Spokane have any water quality violations?

Yes, Spokane has 1310 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MR, Other, MON. 29 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Spokane?

Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Spokane is recommended. 2 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 Spokane's tap water come from?

Spokane's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by IRVIN WATER DISTRICT #6 and 12 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 422,776 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.

How often is Spokane'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. Spokane'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 Spokane's water compare to other cities in Washington?

Spokane's water quality score of 32/100 earns a grade of D, which is considered poor. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our Washington state page to see how all cities in the state compare.

What should I do if I'm concerned about Spokane's water quality?

If you have concerns about Spokane'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 (IRVIN WATER DISTRICT #6) 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.

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