C41/100
Tacoma Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 609,307 residents · Washington
What's In Tacoma's Tap Water?
77
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 1.57 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
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 2015.
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
ARTONDALE
Population Served
5,828
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WA5303160
CEDAR CREST
Population Served
2,954
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WA5311887
EVERGREEN SHORES
Population Served
1,329
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WA5324163
HOLIDAY RANCHETTES
Population Served
1,050
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WA5333677
HORIZONS WEST
Population Served
3,454
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WA5334375
MINTERBROOK
Population Served
5,083
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WA5354740
LAKE MINTERWOOD
Population Served
1,539
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WA5355210
MIRRORMONT
Population Served
2,083
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WA5355250
OLYMPIC MALL
Population Served
2,681
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WA5363479
PALMER LAKE
Population Served
1,924
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WA5365745
PARKLAND LIGHT & WATER COMPANY
Population Served
29,595
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WA5366200
PARKVIEW TERRACE
Population Served
3,730
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WA5366215
PEACOCK HILL
Population Served
7,401
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WA5366637
POINT EVANS
Population Served
5,211
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WA5368065
QUISTORFF
Population Served
1,113
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WA5370550
ROSARIO
Population Served
1,031
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
WA5374270
SOUTHWOOD
Population Served
64,155
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
WA5382844
STROHS WATER COMPANY INC
Population Served
3,192
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WA5384670
SUMMIT WATER & SUPPLY CO
Population Served
16,109
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WA5385050
SUNSHINE ACRES
Population Served
1,074
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WA5386250
TACOMA WATER DIVISION CITY OF
Population Served
448,771
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
WA5386800
Frequently Asked Questions About Tacoma Water
Is Tacoma tap water safe to drink?
Tacoma, Washington tap water receives a grade of C (41/100), which is considered fair. 4 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 1168 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Tacoma's water?
Of the 77 contaminants tested in Tacoma's water supply, the most notable include PFHxS, Copper (90th percentile), PFOS, PFOA, Lead (90th percentile). 4 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 5 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Tacoma have any water quality violations?
Yes, Tacoma has 1168 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2022. Violation types include MR, Other, MCL. 60 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Tacoma?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Tacoma is recommended. 4 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 Tacoma's tap water come from?
Tacoma's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by ARTONDALE and 20 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 609,307 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Tacoma'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. Tacoma'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 Tacoma's water compare to other cities in Washington?
Tacoma's water quality score of 41/100 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 Tacoma's water quality?
If you have concerns about Tacoma'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 (ARTONDALE) 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.