Is Ashford, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.3/100
waterverge.com Ashford, WA — Water Quality Report
Ashford's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,450 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.2 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 57 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ashford's water
Ashford ranks #50 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Ashford 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, Ashford may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ashford, WA water safe to drink?
Ashford's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,450 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ashford
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ashford's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.3/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3629). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1817). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ashford's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ashford's water system has 57 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Pierce County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 Nisqually River, Mineral Creek, Puyallup River.
Where does Ashford's water come from?
Ashford's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,450 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Nisqually River (river), Mineral Creek (river), Puyallup River (river).
What Ashford residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ashford'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Ashford'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
Flood & disaster history
Pierce County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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. | 3.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ashford compares by contaminant
Explore where Ashford ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ashford's water comes from
Ashford'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 1,450 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Ashford
Ashford is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Ashford
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASHFORD WATER DISTRICT | WA5303200 | 1,141 | GW |
| PARADISE ESTATES WATER DEPT INC | WA5366090 | 309 | GW |
How Ashford compares
Full Washington rankings →Ashford's score of 89.3/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About Ashford, WA
Wikipedia →Ashford is a census-designated place (CDP) mostly within Pierce County, Washington, United States. Its population was 303 as of the 2020 census. The town is west of the main entrance to Mount Rainier National Park. Surrounding mountains and the narrow Nisqually River valley are heavily forested. Some of Ashford is across the Nisqually River in Lewis County.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ashford's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pierce
Frequently asked questions
Is Ashford, WA tap water safe to drink?
Ashford's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #50 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Ashford's water?
Lead was measured at 3.2 ppb (90th percentile). 57 violations are on record.
How is Ashford'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 Ashford?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ashford's water come from?
Ashford's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,450 residents.
What health violations has Ashford's water system had?
Ashford has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2015. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Ashford's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ashford 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 57 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 Ashford's water compare to other cities?
Ashford ranks #50 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 83% of state cities) and #2919 out of 15744 cities nationally (82th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.