Is Belfair, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
59.7/100
waterverge.com Belfair, WA — Water Quality Report
Belfair's drinking water received a grade of C- (59.7 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 8 water systems serve approximately 6,089 residents using groundwater.
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 304 violations on record, including 36 health-based violations. 30 remain unresolved.
What to know about Belfair's water
Belfair ranks #194 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Belfair 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.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Belfair, WA water safe to drink?
Belfair's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (59.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 8 water systems serve approximately 6,089 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Belfair
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Belfair's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (59.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3629). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4650). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Belfair'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
Belfair's water system has 304 total violations on record, including 36 health-based violations. 30 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Mason County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1975. 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 Huge Creek.
Where does Belfair's water come from?
Belfair's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 8 water systems serving approximately 6,089 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Huge Creek (river).
What Belfair residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Belfair'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.
Belfair'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 Belfair
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Belfair, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BREMERTON READY MIX BREMERTON, WA98310 | — | — | 5.6 mi |
DEFIANCE BOATS LLC BREMERTON, WA98312 | — | — | 6.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Mason County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1975. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Belfair'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. | 8.48 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 8.485 mg/L (2007)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Belfair compares by contaminant
Explore where Belfair ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Belfair's water comes from
Belfair'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 6,089 people through 8 water systems.
Water bodies near Belfair
Belfair is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Belfair
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BELFAIR WATER DISTRICT 1 | WA5305350 | 4,432 | GW |
| CAPE GEORGE COLONY CLUB INC | WA5311050 | 1,022 | GW |
| RIVERHILL HOMEOWNERS ASSN | WA5372810 | 215 | GW |
| Mission Creek Tracts | WA5355320 | 150 | GW |
| HIDDEN HAVEN MOBILE HOME PARK | WA5332660 | 149 | GW |
| LITTLE MISSION CREEK | WA5301808 | 47 | GW |
| RAINIER VIEW | WA5326649 | 37 | GW |
| SHERMAN HILL | WA5332980 | 37 | GW |
How Belfair compares
Full Washington rankings →Belfair's score of 59.7/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About Belfair, WA
Wikipedia →Belfair is a census-designated place in Mason County, Washington, United States. Located at the mouth of the Union River at Hood Canal, it serves as the commercial center of northern Mason County. The population of the surrounding area grows in the summertime, as the Canal and the Olympic Peninsula are popular with tourists. The population is currently estimated at 5,711 as of 2025.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Belfair's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mason
Frequently asked questions
Is Belfair, WA tap water safe to drink?
Belfair's water quality earned a grade of C- (59.7/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #194 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Belfair's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 304 violations are on record.
How is Belfair'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 Belfair?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Belfair's water come from?
Belfair's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 8 water systems serving approximately 6,089 residents.
What health violations has Belfair's water system had?
Belfair has 36 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. 30 violations remain unresolved.
Is Belfair's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Belfair 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 304 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 Belfair's water compare to other cities?
Belfair ranks #194 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 34% of state cities) and #12148 out of 15744 cities nationally (23th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.