Is Anacortes, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
86.5/100
waterverge.com Anacortes, WA — Water Quality Report
Anacortes's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 794 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.1 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 23 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Anacortes's water
Anacortes ranks #83 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, Anacortes may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Anacortes, WA water safe to drink?
Anacortes's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (86.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 794 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Anacortes
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Anacortes's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.5/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3629). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4650). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Anacortes'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
Anacortes's water system has 23 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Skagit 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.
Where does Anacortes's water come from?
Anacortes's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 794 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Anacortes residents can do
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.
Anacortes'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 Anacortes
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Anacortes, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 132,383 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
HF SINCLAIR PUGET SOUND REFINING LLC ANACORTES, WA98221 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 130,237 | 2.9 mi |
TESORO REFINING & MARKETING CO LLC ANACORTES, WA98221 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 2,145 | 4.0 mi |
CHEMTRADE SOLUTIONS LLC ANACORTES, WA98221 | — | — | 3.2 mi |
DAKOTA CREEK INDUSTRIES INC. ANACORTES, WA98221 | — | — | 2.2 mi |
AIR LIQUIDE HYDROGEN PLANT ANACORTES, WA98221 | — | — | 3.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Skagit 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 Anacortes'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. | 1.1 | 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. | 1.56 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.560 mg/L (1995)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Anacortes compares by contaminant
Explore where Anacortes ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Anacortes's water comes from
Anacortes'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 private ownership and serves approximately 794 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Anacortes
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEL MAR COMMUNITY SERVICE | WA5318580 | 654 | SWP |
| SUNSET RIDGE COMMUNITY ASSN | WA5386158 | 140 | GW |
How Anacortes compares
Full Washington rankings →Anacortes's score of 86.5/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About Anacortes, WA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Anacortes's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Skagit
Frequently asked questions
Is Anacortes, WA tap water safe to drink?
Anacortes's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #83 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Anacortes's water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 23 violations are on record.
How is Anacortes'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 Anacortes?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Anacortes's water come from?
Anacortes's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 794 residents.
What health violations has Anacortes's water system had?
Anacortes has 10 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Anacortes's water compare to other cities?
Anacortes ranks #83 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 72% of state cities) and #4690 out of 15744 cities nationally (70th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.