Is Chinook, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.5/100
waterverge.com Chinook, WA — Water Quality Report
Chinook's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 664 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 9.0 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 37 violations on record, including 23 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Chinook's water
Chinook ranks #93 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.
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, Chinook may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Chinook, WA water safe to drink?
Chinook's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 664 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Chinook
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Chinook's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.5/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4650). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4539). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Chinook's water supply.
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
Chinook's water system has 37 total violations on record, including 23 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Pacific 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.
Where does Chinook's water come from?
Chinook's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 664 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Chinook residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Chinook'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Chinook'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 Chinook
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.
- ASTORIA MARINE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY9.8 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Pacific 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 Chinook'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. | 9.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Chinook compares by contaminant
Explore where Chinook ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Chinook's water comes from
Chinook'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 664 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Chinook
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHINOOK WATER DISTRICT | WA5312800 | 664 | SW |
How Chinook compares
Full Washington rankings →Chinook's score of 85.5/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About Chinook, WA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Chinook's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pacific
Frequently asked questions
Is Chinook, WA tap water safe to drink?
Chinook's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #93 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Chinook's water?
Lead was measured at 9.0 ppb (90th percentile). 37 violations are on record.
How is Chinook'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 Chinook?
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 Chinook's water come from?
Chinook's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 664 residents.
What health violations has Chinook's water system had?
Chinook has 23 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2015. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
How does Chinook's water compare to other cities?
Chinook ranks #93 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 68% of state cities) and #5315 out of 15744 cities nationally (66th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Chinook's small water system affect quality?
Chinook's system serves approximately 664 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 37 violations on record.