Is Battle Ground, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
70.2/100
waterverge.com Battle Ground, WA — Water Quality Report
Battle Ground's drinking water received a grade of B- (70.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 30,040 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 15.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 226 violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Battle Ground's water
Battle Ground ranks #164 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Battle Ground 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.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.13 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Battle Ground, WA water safe to drink?
Battle Ground's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (70.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 30,040 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Battle Ground
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Battle Ground's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (70.2/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4253). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3227). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Battle Ground's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Battle Ground's water system has 226 total violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Clark County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1964. 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 East Fork Lewis River.
Where does Battle Ground's water come from?
Battle Ground's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 30,040 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include East Fork Lewis River (river).
What Battle Ground residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Battle Ground'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.
Battle Ground'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 Battle Ground
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Battle Ground, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FIBER GLASS SYSTEMS LP - RIDGEFIELD FACILITY RIDGEFIELD, WA98642 | — | — | 7.4 mi |
SIMONDS INTERNATIONAL RIDGEFIELD, WA98642 | — | — | 7.4 mi |
CHURCH & DWIGHT CO. INC. VANCOUVER FACILITY VANCOUVER, WA98661 | — | — | 10.0 mi |
CONTROLTEK INC. VANCOUVER, WA98682 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
SEH AMERICA INC VANCOUVER, WA98682 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Battle Ground
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.
- BOOMSNUB AIRCO7.9 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Clark County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1964. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Battle Ground'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. | 15.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Battle Ground compares by contaminant
Explore where Battle Ground ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Battle Ground's water comes from
Battle Ground'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 30,040 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Battle Ground
Battle Ground is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Battle Ground
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BATTLE GROUND WATER DEPT CITY OF | WA5304700 | 29,974 | GW |
| PARKSIDE AIRPARK OWNERS | WA5326879 | 66 | GW |
How Battle Ground compares
Full Washington rankings →Battle Ground's score of 70.2/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About Battle Ground, WA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Battle Ground's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Clark
Frequently asked questions
Is Battle Ground, WA tap water safe to drink?
Battle Ground's water quality earned a grade of B- (70.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #164 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Battle Ground's water?
Lead was measured at 15.0 ppb (90th percentile). 226 violations are on record.
How is Battle Ground'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 Battle Ground?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Battle Ground's water come from?
Battle Ground's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 30,040 residents.
What health violations has Battle Ground's water system had?
Battle Ground has 12 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Battle Ground's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Battle Ground 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 226 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 Battle Ground's water compare to other cities?
Battle Ground ranks #164 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 44% of state cities) and #10776 out of 15744 cities nationally (32th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.