Is Carson, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C-, with 13 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
55.4/100
waterverge.com Carson, WA — Water Quality Report
Carson's drinking water received a grade of C- (55.4 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 4,059 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.9 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 447 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about Carson's water
Carson ranks #199 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it below average 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.
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 Carson, WA water safe to drink?
Carson's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (55.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 4,059 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Carson
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Carson's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (55.4/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Toxaphene, Chlordane, BHC-GAMMA.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4650). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4309). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Carson's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Carson's water system has 447 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved. 25 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Skamania County has experienced 9 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 Wind River, Columbia River, Columbia River Below Bonneville Dam.
Where does Carson's water come from?
Carson's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 4,059 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Wind River (river), Columbia River (river), Columbia River Below Bonneville Dam (river).
What Carson residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Carson'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.
Carson'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
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Carson
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.
- BRADFORD ISLAND8.3 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Skamania County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1964. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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. | 0.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Carson compares by contaminant
Explore where Carson ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Carson's water comes from
Carson'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 4,059 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Carson
Carson is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Carson
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CARSON | WA5311340 | 3,015 | SW |
| UNDERWOOD | WA5390200 | 1,000 | GW |
| Wind River Community | WA5320029 | 44 | GW |
How Carson compares
Full Washington rankings →Carson's score of 55.4/100 is on par with the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About Carson, WA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Carson's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Skamania
Frequently asked questions
Is Carson, WA tap water safe to drink?
Carson's water quality earned a grade of C- (55.4/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #199 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Carson's water?
Lead was measured at 0.9 ppb (90th percentile). 447 violations are on record.
How is Carson'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 Carson?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Carson's water come from?
Carson's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 4,059 residents.
How does Carson's water compare to other cities?
Carson ranks #199 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 32% of state cities) and #12538 out of 15744 cities nationally (20th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.