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WaterVerge

Water quality report · updated Jul 2026

Is Coupeville, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do ↓

1 contaminant over a legal limit
1.6 ppb lead, 90th percentile · low
306 unresolved violations
25K people served by 110 water systems

PWSID WA5315550 · high data confidence · local government utility

Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated July 2026
F 38 / 100

#288 of 294Washington cities
How we grade →

01The verdict: is Coupeville water safe?

Coupeville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (38/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 110 water systems serve approximately 25,056 residents using groundwater (wells).

The concern

Copper is over its legal limit

Measured at 1.78 mg/L against the EPA Action Level of 1.3 mg/L. The ledger below shows how far over — and which filter removes it.

See the measurement ↓
The good news

Lead is well under the limit

90th-percentile lead is 1.6 ppb — beneath the 15 ppb federal action level and under the 5 ppb watch threshold.

See the trend ↓
Keep watching

PFHxA is approaching its limit

Measured at 0.0170 µg/L — 120% of the 0.004 µg/L limit. Within the rules, but with less headroom than you'd want.

See the ledger ↓

Coupeville's drinking water received a grade of F (38 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 110 water systems serve approximately 25,056 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. UCMR 5 testing detected 7 PFAS compounds, with levels exceeding EPA maximum contaminant levels in the water supply. The system has 4333 violations on record, including 448 health-based violations. 306 remain unresolved.

Coupeville ranks #288 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state. Coupeville 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. Of particular concern: PFAS "forever chemical" levels exceed the 2024 EPA maximum contaminant levels. These synthetic compounds don't break down naturally and require specialized filtration such as reverse osmosis or granular activated carbon. The system has seen 778 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

How the 38/100 breaks down Methodology →
ViolationsHistorical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
0 / 45F
Lead & CopperLead at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile).
16 / 20B
Contaminants7 PFAS compounds detected.
9 / 20D
ComplianceMonitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
8 / 10B
Source RiskWater source: Groundwater.
5 / 5A

02What's in Coupeville's water

Every contaminant flagged in Coupeville, on one shared scale: distance to its own legal limit. The red line is the limit — anything past it is out of compliance, and the closer a bar gets, the less headroom the system has.

3 detections · sorted by % of legal limit
Over the limit Elevated — watch Within limits
0 50% LEGAL LIMIT 150%

Over Limit — EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L

Exceeds the EPA action level. Copper leaches from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking, and consider a certified filter.
Exceeds Limit What to do →
32 contaminants tested under EPA SDWIS, LCR and UCMR programs · 9 detected · 1 PFAS over EPA MCL · PFAS hazard index 2.45 (above the 1.0 threshold)

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.6 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 1.78 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
11Cl-PF3OUdS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
4:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
6:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
8:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
9Cl-PF3ONS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
ADONA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
HFPO-DA ND 0.01 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
lithium ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NEtFOSAA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NFDHA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NMeFOSAA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFBA 0.005 HI µg/L PFAS Detected
PFBS 0.007 HI µg/L PFAS Detected
PFDA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFDoA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFEESA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHpA 0.003 HI µg/L PFAS Detected
PFHpS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHxA 0.017 HI µg/L PFAS Detected
PFHxS 0.004 HI µg/L PFAS Detected
PFMBA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFMPA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFNA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFOA 0.010 0.004 µg/L PFAS Over MCL
PFOS ND 0.004 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFPeA 0.012 HI µg/L PFAS Detected
PFPeS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFTA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFTrDA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFUnA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

03Coupeville's ten-year track record

Each box is one year. A green check means no EPA violations; a numbered badge counts that year's violations — red if any were health-based, amber if they were monitoring or paperwork issues. The system has 4333 violations on record, including 448 health-based violations. 306 remain unresolved.

1 of the last ten years was clean. The numbered years had EPA violations — red when any were health-based, amber when they were paperwork or missed-testing issues.

138 health-based in 10 yrs 923 monitoring & paperwork 140 still unresolved
PFAS7 PFAS "forever chemical" compounds detectedPFAS levels exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels. Reverse osmosis or activated carbon filtration recommended.
UpdateWater quality data updatedLatest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Coupeville's water quality assessment. Grade: F (38/100).
Violation46 drinking water violations recorded5 health-based. Contaminants: Vinyl chloride, Methoxychlor, 2,4,5-TP.Resolved
Violation73 drinking water violations recorded4 health-based. Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Toxaphene, Heptachlor.Open
Violation13 drinking water violations recorded5 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate, Arsenic, TTHM.Resolved
DisasterSEVERE WINTER STORMS, SNOWSTORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODINFederal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4650). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Lead, 90th percentileppb · lower is better
0102030EPA action level · 15 ppb1993 — 5 ppb1994 — 4 ppb1995 — 3 ppb1996 — 3 ppb1997 — 7.5 ppb1998 — 3 ppb1999 — 5.5 ppb2000 — 3 ppb2001 — 1 ppb2002 — 2 ppb2003 — 4 ppb2004 — 26 ppb2005 — 1.5 ppb2006 — 3.5 ppb2007 — 4.5 ppb2008 — 3 ppb2009 — 2.5 ppb2010 — 1.5 ppb2011 — 1.5 ppb2012 — 1 ppb2013 — 8 ppb2014 — 1.1 ppb2015 — 2.2 ppb2016 — 7.5 ppb2017 — 4.7 ppb2018 — 1 ppb2019 — 1 ppb2020 — 1.4 ppb2021 — 1 ppb2022 — 1.2 ppb2023 — 0 ppb2024 — 2.2 ppb2025 — 3.8 ppb53.8199320002007201420212025

Down 1.2 ppb since 1993. Latest reading: 3.8 ppb (2025) — 25% of the action level. Sampled at higher-risk homes (90th percentile).

Copper, 90th percentilemg/L · lower is better
0246EPA action level · 1.3 mg/L1993 — 1.9 mg/L1996 — 1.4 mg/L1997 — 4.0 mg/L1998 — 2.8 mg/L2001 — 3.8 mg/L2002 — 1.9 mg/L2003 — 3 mg/L2004 — 1.6 mg/L2005 — 1.7 mg/L2006 — 4.5 mg/L2007 — 3.3 mg/L2008 — 3 mg/L2009 — 1.5 mg/L2010 — 1.4 mg/L2011 — 1.4 mg/L2017 — 1.6 mg/L2020 — 4.4 mg/L2022 — 1.6 mg/L1.91.6199320012005200920202022

Down 0.30 mg/L since 1993. The latest reading (1.6 mg/L, 2022) is over the action level. Sampled at higher-risk homes (90th percentile).

04Where Coupeville's water comes from

Coupeville's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.

Source

Groundwater

Underground aquifers reached by wells — naturally filtered, but can carry minerals like arsenic and nitrate.

Treatment

Local treatment

Groundwater generally needs less treatment — typically disinfection and, where needed, mineral removal.

Distribution

110 systems

110 water systems (5 wholesalers), operated under local government ownership.

Delivery

25,056 people

Residents served across Coupeville's service area.

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 local government ownership and serves approximately 25,056 people through 110 water systems.

System namePWSIDPopulationSource
COUPEVILLE TOWN OF WA5315550 4,077 Groundwater
CAMANO WATER ASSOCIATION WA5310750 2,592 Groundwater
SCATCHET HEAD WATER DISTRICT WA5376470 900 Groundwater
CAMALOCH ASSOCIATION WA5310580 825 Groundwater
NORTHGATE TERRACE COMMUNITY CLUB WA5361750 750 Groundwater
LOST LAKE PROPERTY OWNERS ASSN WA5348345 736 Groundwater
WILDERNESS RIDGE COMMUNITY CLUB WA5396876 664 Groundwater
MECCA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION WA5322888 619 Groundwater
CAMANO VISTA WATER DISTRICT WA5310748 591 Groundwater
SUNVISTA SUNLIGHT BEACH HOA WA5385160 500 Groundwater
SARATOGA WATER DISTRICT WA5376300 477 Groundwater
COMBINED WATER SYSTEM WA5305795 435 Groundwater
CROSSWOODS WATER COMPANY WA5316274 420 Groundwater
WHIDBEY WEST WATER ASSOC. WA5336314 415 Groundwater
SIERRA COUNTRY CLUB WA5378975 400 Groundwater
ROCKY POINT COMMUNITY CLUB WA5304629 320 Groundwater
DRIFTWOOD HEIGHTS ASSOCIATION WA5319948 311 Groundwater
PARKWOOD MANOR MHP WA5366218 301 Groundwater
MARINERS COVE BEACH CLUB INC WA5351730 300 Groundwater
CAMANO HILLS WATER COMPANY INC WA5301429 286 Groundwater
GOSS LAKE PARK COMMUNITY WA5328575 285 Groundwater
WEST RIDGE WATER SYSTEM WA5394942 275 Groundwater
WHIDBEY SHORES WATER SYSTEM WA5396070 262 Groundwater
SHIRONA WATER SYSTEM WA5378373 243 Groundwater
HIDE-AWAY WATER COMPANY INC WA5366586 240 Groundwater
JUNIPER BEACH WATER DISTRICT WA5337250 213 Groundwater
COUNTRY PLACE MOBILE HOME PARK WA5312003 200 Groundwater
POLNELL SHORES COMM ORG INC WA5368373 195 Groundwater
HARRIS CUSTER ESTATES WATER ASSN WA5317035 194 Groundwater
LONG POINT WATER COMPANY INC WA5348050 182 Groundwater
PINE TERRACE WATER ASSOCIATION WA5367600 181 Groundwater
MEADOW RIDGE WA5353213 175 Groundwater
RACE LAGOON HEIGHTS ASSOCIATION WA5370650 157 Groundwater
Mutiny Bay Park Water Association WA5357740 156 Groundwater
LIGHTHOUSE SHORES WA5347200 152 Groundwater
RHODENA BEACH WATER DISTRICT WA5372150 152 Groundwater
FIRCREST COMMUNITY WATER SYSTEM WA5324529 150 Groundwater
SUNLIGHT SHORES COUNTRY CLUB WA5333039 150 Groundwater
POSSESSION SHORES INC WA5369020 150 Groundwater
WAGON WHEEL WA5392070 150 Groundwater
THUNDER RIDGE WATER SYSTEM WA5388200 145 Groundwater
RACE LAGOON WATER ASSOCIATION WA5303741 141 Groundwater
VALLEY HIGH PARK WA5390976 141 Groundwater
LAKEVIEW TERRACE WA5345364 140 Groundwater
EAGLE VALLEY WATER SYSTEM WA5302217 135 Groundwater
LAKE GROVE WATER ASSOCIATION WA5343940 134 Groundwater
TERONDA WEST COUNTRY CLUB ASSN. WA5387520 127 Groundwater
CAMPO HACIENDA WA5310992 123 Groundwater
LIVINGSTON BAY COMMUNITY ASSN WA5347628 120 Groundwater
Whispering Pines Homeowners Coop WA5388215 116 Groundwater
PIONEER PARK WATER SYSTEM WA5367717 115 Groundwater
ELGERWOOD MAINTENANCE ASSOCIATION WA5309131 112 Groundwater
BUSH POINT TRAC PARK WA5309900 111 Groundwater
IDLEWOOD COMMUNITY WA5335370 111 Groundwater
HOLMES HARBOR WATER CO WA5333870 110 Groundwater
SKYLINE WEST COMMUNITY CLUB WA5380212 109 Groundwater
WAYNES RIDGE WATER ASSOC WA5393909 108 Groundwater
WOODLAND ESTATES WA5398183 106 Groundwater
FAIRWAY ESTATES INC WA5324524 100 Groundwater
Northwest Water WA5302287 99 Groundwater
CORNET BAY HEIGHTS WATER ASSN INC WA5315020 99 Groundwater
PHEASANT FARM ACRES WA5367187 95 Groundwater
SUNSET DEVELOPMENT COMM CLUB WA5386075 92 Groundwater
AHEARN WATER SYSTEM WA5325384 91 Groundwater
BEACHWOOD WATER COMPANY WA5304980 90 Groundwater
PATTONS RETREAT WATER ASSN WA5366588 90 Groundwater
SUMMERLAND WA5384903 85 Groundwater
FORT KNOX MOBILE HOME PARK WA5359576 79 Groundwater
DEVRIES ROAD COMMUNITY ASSN WA5315948 76 Groundwater
EASTGATE WA5322030 76 Groundwater
LAKEWOOD WEST WATER ASSN. WA5344627 75 Groundwater
SUNSET WEST WA5361761 75 Groundwater
DAVIS LANDING WATER SYSTEM WA5318140 74 Groundwater
SILVER LAKE RD ACREAGE TRACTS WA5310587 73 Groundwater
MABANA SHORES ASSOCIATION WA5349600 68 Groundwater
KINETH CLAIM COMMUNITY WATER ASSOC. WA5314371 65 Groundwater
FIR GROVE MOBILE PARK WA5325137 65 Groundwater
POLNELL HEIGHTS WATER ASSOCIATION WA5368370 65 Groundwater
CRESCENT ACRES WATER ASSOCIATION WA5315930 64 Groundwater
CAMPBELLS GLEN WA5310988 62 Groundwater
WHIDBEY HIGHLANDS WATER ASSOC WA5396050 62 Groundwater
SILVER SPRINGS ESTATES COMM ASSN WA5379276 61 Groundwater
SUBURBAN MOBILE PARK WA5384730 60 Groundwater
ADAMS RD COMMUNITY ASSN WA5301977 59 Groundwater
Sky Meadows Community Assoc. WA5342705 58 Groundwater
NORCLIFFE WATER ASSOCIATION WA5384566 57 Groundwater
SLEEPER ACRES COMM. ASSOC. INC. WA5329901 56 Groundwater
USELESS BAY SHORES WA5333261 56 Groundwater
SHANGRI-LA SHORES INC WA5377850 56 Groundwater
DEER LAKE ESTATES WA5318440 55 Groundwater
West View Apartments Water System WA5305570 54 Groundwater
PONDILLA ESTATES COMMUNITY ASSOC WA5368430 52 Groundwater
Bets Water System WA5339991 50 Groundwater
TAYLOR ROAD WATER SYSTEM WA5387195 50 Groundwater
North Beverly Beach Association WA5311239 46 Groundwater
WOODGLEN PRD WATER SYSTEM WA5306529 40 Groundwater
WEST BEACH ROAD ASSOCIATION WA5317970 37 Groundwater
DOYLE WATER ASSOCIATION WA5319155 36 Groundwater
ROCKAWAY BEACH COMMUNITY ASSN WA5306014 35 Groundwater
MAPLE HILL PARK WA5309356 35 Groundwater
LEISURE ACRES WATER ASSOCIATION WA5346695 35 Groundwater
WILDES GROVE COMMUNITY WATER SYS WA5326911 33 Groundwater
GEORGETOWN WATER ASSOCIATION WA5312636 32 Groundwater
CARE FREE ACRES WA5311135 30 Groundwater
LITTLE VALLEY APTS. WA5322057 30 Groundwater
Koontz Ranch Water System WA53AD532 30 Groundwater
HILLCREST HOMESTEAD TRACTS WATER WA5333120 29 Groundwater
Eaglecrest Water & Road Association WA5326091 28 Groundwater
TIMARU COMMUNITY WATER ASSOCIATION WA5398215 27 Groundwater
POLNELL LANDING WATER ASSOC. WA5355476 24 Groundwater

05Pressure on Coupeville's watershed

Outside forces that shape what reaches the treatment plant. None of these is a verdict on the tap by itself — but each adds pressure worth knowing about.

Industrial discharge

Present — monitored

2 facilities within 10 miles reported 0 lb released to surface water in the latest EPA Toxics Release Inventory. Proximity doesn't equal tap contamination — treatment and hydrology decide — but it's pressure on the watershed.

US NAVY NAS WHIDBEY ISLAND AULT FIELD — lead 0 lb · 8.7 mi
TECHNICAL SERVICES INC 0 lb · 6.9 mi

Flood & storm history

Recurring — declared disasters

6 federal disaster declarations on record for Island County. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and push runoff into supplies.

SEVERE WINTER STORMS, SNOWSTORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODIN Mar 2022 · DR-4650
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES Jan 2022 · DR-4635
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES Apr 2020 · DR-4539

Superfund proximity

Low — tracked and monitored

1 National Priorities List site within 10 miles. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.

06How Coupeville compares

Scores for nearby Washington cities on one line, with the average marked.

Kent
44.4 · F
Seattle
42.3 · F
Spokane
39.2 · F
Coupeville (this city)
38 · F
Vancouver
32.9 · F
Tacoma
32.2 · F

dashed line = Washington average (53/100)

Coupeville scores 38/100below the Washington average of 53/100. It outscores 2 of 10 nearby cities. Full Washington rankings →

Island water quality rankings
Compare all cities in the county — grades, violations, and contaminant data side by side.

07What to do at home

Steps matched to what testing actually found in Coupeville's water — not generic advice.

Because of pfas

Filter drinking & cooking water

Reverse osmosis system. PFAS compounds exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels

Compare tested filters →
Know your report

Read your utility's annual report

Every utility must publish a yearly Consumer Confidence Report with its own testing results. It pairs well with the independent data on this page.

How to read a CCR →
Stay informed

Watch for Coupeville alerts

This area has a history of flood declarations — after severe weather, watch for boil-water advisories from the utility, and check the live alerts on this page.

All water alerts →

Frequently asked questions

Is Coupeville, WA tap water safe to drink?

Coupeville's water quality earned a grade of F (38/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #288 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.

What contaminants are in Coupeville's water?

Lead was measured at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile). 7 PFAS compounds were detected. 4333 violations are on record.

How is Coupeville'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 Coupeville?

PFAS compounds exceed EPA limits — a reverse osmosis or activated carbon filter is recommended.

Where does Coupeville's water come from?

Coupeville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 110 water systems serving approximately 25,056 residents.

What health violations has Coupeville's water system had?

Coupeville has 448 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. 306 violations remain unresolved.

Is Coupeville's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Coupeville 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 4333 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.

Why does Coupeville have so many PFAS compounds in its water?

7 different PFAS "forever chemical" compounds were detected in Coupeville's water supply during UCMR 5 testing. PFAS contamination often originates from proximity to military installations (AFFF firefighting foam), airports, industrial manufacturing sites, or wastewater treatment facilities. Some levels exceed the 2024 EPA maximum contaminant levels — a reverse osmosis or NSF-certified activated carbon filter is strongly recommended.

How does Coupeville's water compare to other cities?

Coupeville ranks #288 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 2% of state cities) and #15030 out of 15382 cities nationally (2th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

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About Coupeville, WA: Median household income $78,438 · median home value $436,925 · median age 64.2 · 65.7% homeowners · 33.4% college educated. Service area: 1 ZIP code across Island.
Show ZIP codes 98239
Sources: EPA SDWIS & ECHO · UCMR 3–5 · Lead & Copper Rule samples · EPA TRI · U.S. Drought Monitor · FEMA declarations. Data last updated Jul 2026. Analysis by the WaterVerge Editorial Team · methodology.