Is Cashmere, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — 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 ↓
41.2/100
waterverge.com Cashmere, WA — Water Quality Report
Cashmere's drinking water received a grade of F (41.2 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 12 water systems serve approximately 9,830 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 422 violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. 51 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cashmere's water
Cashmere ranks #281 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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 1.09 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.
The system has seen 58 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cashmere, WA water safe to drink?
Cashmere's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (41.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 12 water systems serve approximately 9,830 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Cashmere
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cashmere's water quality assessment. Grade: F (41.2/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3629). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Revised Total Coliform 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 Cashmere'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
Cashmere's water system has 422 total violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. 51 remain unresolved. 58 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Chelan County has experienced 6 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 Wenatchee River.
Where does Cashmere's water come from?
Cashmere's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 12 water systems serving approximately 9,830 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Wenatchee River (river).
What Cashmere residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cashmere'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.
Cashmere'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 Cashmere
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Cashmere, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1,426 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TREE TOP INC WENATCHEE PLANT WENATCHEE, WA98801 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 1,426 | 9.2 mi |
CENTRAL WASHINGTON CONCRETE WENATCHEE - BAKER FLATS EAST WENATCHEE, WA98802 | — | — | 8.2 mi |
PACIFIC AEROSPACE & ELECTRONICS WENATCHEE, WA98801 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtChelan 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.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Chelan County has experienced 6 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 Cashmere'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. | 1.44 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.435 mg/L (1997)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Cashmere compares by contaminant
Explore where Cashmere ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cashmere's water comes from
Cashmere'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 9,830 people through 12 water systems.
Water bodies near Cashmere
Cashmere is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Cashmere
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CASHMERE WATER DEPARTMENT | WA5311700 | 5,815 | SW |
| ALPINE WATER DISTRICT | WA5325315 | 2,255 | GW |
| SUN COVE PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM | WA5385124 | 716 | GW |
| BAUERS LANDING LODGE | WA5305836 | 291 | GW |
| VALLEYHI COMMUNITY CLUB | WA5390975 | 242 | GW |
| Ski Hill Domestic Water Association | WA5302413 | 102 | GW |
| WARNER FLATS DOMESTIC WATER CO INC | WA5306073 | 100 | SWP |
| DAWN LEE COURTS | WA5318188 | 100 | GW |
| WEST CASHMERE WATER SYSTEM | WA5394475 | 63 | GW |
| SUNNYBANK WATER SYSTEM | WA5301266 | 58 | SW |
| ALPINE ACRES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION | WA5301822 | 51 | GW |
| TOWNS MOBILE HOME PARK | WA5388945 | 37 | GW |
How Cashmere compares
Full Washington rankings →Cashmere's score of 41.2/100 is below the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About Cashmere, WA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cashmere's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Chelan
Frequently asked questions
Is Cashmere, WA tap water safe to drink?
Cashmere's water quality earned a grade of F (41.2/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #281 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Cashmere's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 422 violations are on record.
How is Cashmere'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 Cashmere?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cashmere's water come from?
Cashmere's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 12 water systems serving approximately 9,830 residents.
What health violations has Cashmere's water system had?
Cashmere has 21 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. 51 violations remain unresolved.
How does Cashmere's water compare to other cities?
Cashmere ranks #281 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 4% of state cities) and #15010 out of 15744 cities nationally (5th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.