Is Algona, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
84.7/100
waterverge.com Algona, WA — Water Quality Report
Algona's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,180 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 11 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Algona's water
Algona ranks #103 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Algona may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Algona, WA water safe to drink?
Algona's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,180 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Algona
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Algona's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3629). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4539). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Algona's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Algona's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
King County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1990. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Puyallup River, White River, Lake Tapps, Lake Tapps Diversion, Clarks Creek.
Where does Algona's water come from?
Algona's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,180 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Puyallup River (river), White River (river), Lake Tapps (lake), Lake Tapps Diversion (stream), Clarks Creek (river).
What Algona residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Algona's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Algona's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Algona
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Algona, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 54,620 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
WESTROCK TACOMA MILL TACOMA, WA98421 | Methanol | 52,824 | 8.5 mi |
PABCO ROOFING PRODUCTS TACOMA, WA98421 | Copper compounds | 1,151 | 7.4 mi |
SONOCO PRODUCTS CO SUMNER, WA98390 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 356 | 5.0 mi |
US OIL & REFINING CO TACOMA, WA98421 | Ammonia | 286 | 6.9 mi |
STELLA-JONES CORP TACOMA, WA98421 | Copper And Copper Compounds | 3 | 7.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Algona
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- MIDWAY LANDFILL7.1 mi
- SEATTLE MUNICIPAL LANDFILL KENT HIGHLANDS7.7 mi
- COMMENCEMENT BAY NEAR SHORE TIDE FLATS7.9 mi
- WESTERN PROCESSING CO INC9.9 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
King County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1990. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Algona's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.60 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Algona compares by contaminant
Explore where Algona ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Algona's water comes from
Algona's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 3,180 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Algona
Algona is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Algona
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALGONA WATER DEPT | WA5301450 | 3,180 | SWP |
How Algona compares
Full Washington rankings →Algona's score of 84.7/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About Algona, WA
Wikipedia →Algona is a city in King County, Washington, United States, and the Seattle metropolitan area, surrounded by the suburbs of Auburn to the north and east, Pacific to the south, and unincorporated King County to the west. The population was 3,290 at the 2020 census, and was estimated at 3,269 in 2024.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Algona's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across King
Frequently asked questions
Is Algona, WA tap water safe to drink?
Algona's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #103 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Algona's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.
How is Algona's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Algona?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Algona's water come from?
Algona's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,180 residents.
What health violations has Algona's water system had?
Algona has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
How does Algona's water compare to other cities?
Algona ranks #103 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 65% of state cities) and #5732 out of 15744 cities nationally (64th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Algona's small water system affect quality?
Algona's system serves approximately 3,180 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 11 violations on record.