Is Carbonado, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper and Chlorate were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
79.8/100
waterverge.com Carbonado, WA — Water Quality Report
Carbonado's drinking water received a grade of B (79.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 875 residents using surface water.
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 111 violations on record, including 41 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Carbonado's water
Carbonado ranks #136 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.18 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.
As a small community water system, Carbonado may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Carbonado, WA water safe to drink?
Carbonado's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B (79.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 875 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Carbonado
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Carbonado's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.8/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3629). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
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 Carbonado'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
Carbonado's water system has 111 total violations on record, including 41 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
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 Carbon River, South Prairie Creek, Mud Mountain Lake, White River, White River Flume.
Where does Carbonado's water come from?
Carbonado's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 875 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Carbon River (river), South Prairie Creek (river), Mud Mountain Lake (lake), White River (river), White River Flume (river).
What Carbonado residents can do
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.
Carbonado'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 Carbonado
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Carbonado, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PARKER HANNIFIN HELAC CYLINDER DIV ENUMCLAW, WA98022 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Carbonado'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. | 1.60 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.600 mg/L (1994)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Carbonado compares by contaminant
Explore where Carbonado ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Carbonado's water comes from
Carbonado's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 875 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Carbonado
Carbonado is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Carbonado
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CARBONADO WATER DEPT | WA5311100 | 875 | SW |
How Carbonado compares
Full Washington rankings →Carbonado's score of 79.8/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About Carbonado, WA
Wikipedia →Carbonado is a town in Pierce County, Washington, United States. It is located near the Carbon River in the north of the county, approximately 50 miles (80 km) southeast of Seattle. Carbonado is the last town before entering Mount Rainier National Park Carbon River Entrance. The town also served as an important coal mining community in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, when the town operated the largest coal mine in Pierce County. The population was 734 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Carbonado's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pierce
Frequently asked questions
Is Carbonado, WA tap water safe to drink?
Carbonado's water quality earned a grade of B (79.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #136 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Carbonado's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 111 violations are on record.
How is Carbonado'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 Carbonado?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Carbonado's water come from?
Carbonado's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 875 residents.
What health violations has Carbonado's water system had?
Carbonado has 41 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does Carbonado's water compare to other cities?
Carbonado ranks #136 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 54% of state cities) and #8141 out of 15744 cities nationally (48th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Carbonado's small water system affect quality?
Carbonado's system serves approximately 875 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 111 violations on record.