Is Camano Island, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C, with 24 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
64.5/100
waterverge.com Camano Island, WA — Water Quality Report
Camano Island's drinking water received a grade of C (64.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 744 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 135 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved.
What to know about Camano Island's water
Camano Island ranks #183 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Camano 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, Camano Island may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 25 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Camano Island, WA water safe to drink?
Camano Island's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (64.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 744 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Camano Island
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Camano Island's water quality assessment. Grade: C (64.5/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Arsenic, Lead and Copper Rule, Trichloroethylene.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Camano Island's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Camano Island's water system has 135 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved. 25 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Camano Island's water come from?
Camano Island's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 6 water systems serving approximately 744 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Camano Island residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Camano Island'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
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 |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Camano Island compares by contaminant
Explore where Camano Island ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Camano Island's water comes from
Camano 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 744 people through 6 water systems.
Water systems serving Camano Island
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIERRA VISTA WATER ASSOCIATION | WA5378970 | 209 | GW |
| ONAMAC WATER SYSTEM | WA5363907 | 177 | GW |
| Tyee Beach Water Association | WA5390100 | 158 | GW |
| SCENIC BEACH WATER COMPANY | WA5376500 | 122 | GW |
| PORT SUSAN TERRACE WATER | WA5368950 | 48 | GW |
| SARATOGA TERRACE WATER | WA5310516 | 30 | GW |
How Camano Island compares
Full Washington rankings →Camano Island's score of 64.5/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Camano Island's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Island
Frequently asked questions
Is Camano Island, WA tap water safe to drink?
Camano Island's water quality earned a grade of C (64.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #183 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Camano Island's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 135 violations are on record.
How is Camano 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 Camano Island?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Camano Island's water come from?
Camano Island's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 6 water systems serving approximately 744 residents.
What health violations has Camano Island's water system had?
Camano Island has 9 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. 24 violations remain unresolved.
Is Camano Island's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Camano 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 135 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 Camano Island's water compare to other cities?
Camano Island ranks #183 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 38% of state cities) and #11654 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.