Is Anderson Island, 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 ↓
89.2/100
waterverge.com Anderson Island, WA — Water Quality Report
Anderson Island's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,380 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.6 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 67 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Anderson Island's water
Anderson Island ranks #52 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Anderson Island relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Anderson Island may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Anderson Island, WA water safe to drink?
Anderson Island's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,380 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Anderson Island
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Anderson Island's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.2/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Anderson Island'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
Anderson Island's water system has 67 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
Where does Anderson Island's water come from?
Anderson Island's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,380 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Anderson Island 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.
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 Anderson Island
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Anderson Island, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BASALITE DUPONT, WA98327 | — | — | 3.7 mi |
U.S. ARMY JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD JBLM, WA984339500 | — | — | 4.4 mi |
AMERICAN WATER JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD SOLO POINT WWTP TACOMA, WA98433 | — | — | 2.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Anderson Island
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.
- FORT LEWIS LOGISTICS CENTER7.3 mi
- AMERICAN LAKE GARDENS MCCHORD AFB7.5 mi
- LAKEWOOD7.9 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Anderson Island'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. | 2.6 | 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. | 4.80 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Anderson Island compares by contaminant
Explore where Anderson Island ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Anderson Island's water comes from
Anderson Island's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 1,380 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Anderson Island
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAKE JOSEPHINE RIVIERA | WA5343980 | 1,380 | GW |
How Anderson Island compares
Full Washington rankings →Anderson Island's score of 89.2/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About Anderson Island, WA
Wikipedia →Anderson Island is the southernmost island in Puget Sound and a census-designated place of Pierce County, Washington, United States. It is accessible by boat or a 20-minute ferry ride from Steilacoom. Anderson Island is just south of McNeil Island. To the northwest, Key Peninsula is across Drayton Passage. The south basin of Puget Sound separates the island from the mainland to the southeast, while to the southwest the Nisqually Reach of Puget Sound separates the island from the mainland.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Anderson Island's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pierce
Frequently asked questions
Is Anderson Island, WA tap water safe to drink?
Anderson Island's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #52 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Anderson Island's water?
Lead was measured at 2.6 ppb (90th percentile). 67 violations are on record.
How is Anderson Island'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 Anderson Island?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Anderson Island's water come from?
Anderson Island's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,380 residents.
What health violations has Anderson Island's water system had?
Anderson Island has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2019. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Anderson Island's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Anderson Island uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 67 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Anderson Island's water compare to other cities?
Anderson Island ranks #52 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 82% of state cities) and #2985 out of 15744 cities nationally (81th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Anderson Island's small water system affect quality?
Anderson Island's system serves approximately 1,380 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 67 violations on record.