A80/100
Yelm Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 19,589 residents · Washington
What's In Yelm's Tap Water?
67
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 1.60 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
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 2016.
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
CLEARWOOD
Population Served
2,956
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WA5313615
YELM CITY OF
Population Served
16,633
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WA5399350
Frequently Asked Questions About Yelm Water
Is Yelm tap water safe to drink?
Yelm, Washington tap water receives a grade of A (80/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 67 contaminants tested, 1 exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 2 exceed health guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in Yelm's water?
Of the 67 contaminants tested in Yelm's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Yelm have any water quality violations?
Yes, Yelm has 17 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2021. Violation types include Other, MCL, MR. 2 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Yelm?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Yelm is recommended. 1 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 Yelm's tap water come from?
Yelm's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by CLEARWOOD and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 19,589 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Yelm'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. Yelm'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 Yelm's water compare to other cities in Washington?
Yelm's water quality score of 80/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Yelm among the better-performing water systems in Washington. Visit our Washington state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Yelm's water quality?
If you have concerns about Yelm'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 (CLEARWOOD) 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.