WaterVerge

Is Bridgeport, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded C, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

3K residents served 3 water systems PWSID: WA5308350
Overall Score
64 / 100
Violations
5 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#184 of 294 in Washington Top 74% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
CGRADE
Water Quality Grade
64/100
waterverge.com
C 64/100

Bridgeport, WA — Water Quality Report

Bridgeport's drinking water received a grade of C (64 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,574 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 5.4 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 421 violations on record, including 47 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Bridgeport's water

Bridgeport ranks #184 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it below average in the state.

Bridgeport 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.

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.

As a small community water system, Bridgeport may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
64 out of 100 Grade C
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
16.6/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
18/20
A
Lead at 5.4 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
14.4/20
C
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
10/10
A
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Bridgeport, WA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Bridgeport's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (64/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,574 residents using groundwater (wells).

5
Active Violations
5.4 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
3 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Bridgeport

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bridgeport's water quality assessment. Grade: C (64/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
20 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene, o-Dichlorobenzene.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3227). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HEAVY RAINS, FLOODING & MUDSLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-822). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bridgeport's water supply.

Lead Elevated
Detected: 5.4 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

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

Bridgeport's water system has 421 total violations on record, including 47 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.

OtherMRMCL
Most recent violations:
Jul 2017 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Oct 2016 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene Resolved
Oct 2016 cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene Resolved
Oct 2016 o-Dichlorobenzene Resolved
Oct 2016 Vinyl chloride Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Douglas County has experienced 3 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 Columbia River.

HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Coastal Storm FEMA DR-3227
HEAVY RAINS, FLOODING & MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-822
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-334

Where does Bridgeport's water come from?

Bridgeport's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,574 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Columbia River (river).

What Bridgeport residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bridgeport's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Flush your taps

Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.

Monitor alerts during storms

Bridgeport'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
5.4 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 36% of limit
Safe Level
NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamine)
Disinfection Byproduct
Detected
2.0 ng/L
CA Public Health Goal: 10 ng/L · 20% of limit
DetectedProbable CarcinogenUCMR 2 Data (2008–2010)
Compliance Record

Violation summary

421
Total violations
47
Health-based
5
Active / unresolved
Jul 2017
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

421 Total
5 Active
47 Health-based
416 Resolved
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
280
Inorganic Chemicals
50
Nitrate Rule
49
Total Coliform Rule
25
Consumer Confidence Rule
7
Jul 2017 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2015 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2014 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2010 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Oct 2016 Resolved
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2016
Oct 2016 Resolved
cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2016
Oct 2016 Resolved
o-Dichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2016
Oct 2016 Resolved
Vinyl chloride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2016
Oct 2016 Resolved
1,1-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2016
Oct 2016 Resolved
1,2-Dichloropropane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2016
Oct 2016 Resolved
1,1,2-Trichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2016
Oct 2016 Resolved
Tetrachloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2016
Oct 2016 Resolved
CHLOROBENZENE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2016
Oct 2016 Resolved
Benzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2016
Oct 2016 Resolved
Toluene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2016
Oct 2016 Resolved
Ethylbenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2016
Oct 2016 Resolved
p-Dichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2016
Oct 2016 Resolved
Styrene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2016
Oct 2016 Resolved
DICHLOROMETHANE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2016
Showing 20 of 421 violations
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D1 — moderate drought

Douglas County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.

24.9%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

3
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Douglas County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Coastal Storm FEMA #3227
Apr 1989
HEAVY RAINS, FLOODING & MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #822
Jun 1972
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #334

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Bridgeport's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🚰
For Lead
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53-Certified Pitcher
Lead detected at 5.4 ppb
Read our guide →

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 5.4 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 8.0 ppb from 1993 (8.0 ppb) to 2024 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,574
Water Systems
3
Water Source

Where Bridgeport's water comes from

Groundwater

Bridgeport'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 2,574 people through 3 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Bridgeport

Bridgeport is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Columbia River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Bridgeport

System Name PWSID Population Source
BRIDGEPORT CITY OF WA5308350 2,214 GW
GREATER BAR WATER DISTRICT WA5319910 330 GW
RICH ACRES WATER CORP WA5372227 30 GW
Regional Comparison

How Bridgeport compares

Full Washington rankings →

Bridgeport's score of 64/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.

Bridgeport (this city)
64
Seattle
42.3
Tacoma
32.2
Vancouver
32.9
Spokane
39.2
Kent
44.4
Washington avg
53
City Profile

About Bridgeport, WA

Economic Profile
$52,083
Median Income
$144,753
Median Home Value
$735/mo
Median Rent
6.3%
Unemployment
Community
27.6
Median Age
870
People / sq mi
2.9%
College Educated
62.6%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Bridgeport, WA tap water safe to drink?

Bridgeport's water quality earned a grade of C (64/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #184 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.

What contaminants are in Bridgeport's water?

Lead was measured at 5.4 ppb (90th percentile). 421 violations are on record.

How is Bridgeport'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 Bridgeport?

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 Bridgeport's water come from?

Bridgeport's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,574 residents.

What health violations has Bridgeport's water system had?

Bridgeport has 47 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2017. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.

Is Bridgeport's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Bridgeport 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 421 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 Bridgeport's water compare to other cities?

Bridgeport ranks #184 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 37% of state cities) and #11703 out of 15744 cities nationally (26th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.