Is Cusick, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.6/100
waterverge.com Cusick, WA — Water Quality Report
Cusick's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 672 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.2 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 30 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cusick's water
Cusick ranks #104 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.
As a small community water system, Cusick may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cusick, WA water safe to drink?
Cusick's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 672 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Cusick
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cusick's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.6/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4309). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3227). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Cusick's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Cusick's water system has 30 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Pend Oreille County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Pend Oreille River.
Where does Cusick's water come from?
Cusick's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 672 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Pend Oreille River (river).
What Cusick residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cusick'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.
Cusick'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
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtPend Oreille 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
Pend Oreille County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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. | 3.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cusick compares by contaminant
Explore where Cusick ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cusick's water comes from
Cusick'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 672 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Cusick
Cusick 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 Cusick
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CUSICK TOWN OF | WA5317000 | 672 | SW |
How Cusick compares
Full Washington rankings →Cusick's score of 84.6/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About Cusick, WA
Wikipedia →Cusick is a town in Pend Oreille County, Washington, United States. The population was 153 at the 2020 census. Cusick is the headquarters of the federally recognized Kalispel Indian Community of the Kalispel Reservation.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cusick's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pend Oreille
Frequently asked questions
Is Cusick, WA tap water safe to drink?
Cusick's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #104 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Cusick's water?
Lead was measured at 3.2 ppb (90th percentile). 30 violations are on record.
How is Cusick'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 Cusick?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cusick's water come from?
Cusick's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 672 residents.
What health violations has Cusick's water system had?
Cusick has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in March 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
How does Cusick's water compare to other cities?
Cusick ranks #104 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 65% of state cities) and #5802 out of 15744 cities nationally (63th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Cusick's small water system affect quality?
Cusick's system serves approximately 672 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 30 violations on record.