Is Custer, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
66/100
waterverge.com Custer, WA — Water Quality Report
Custer's drinking water received a grade of C+ (66 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,271 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.5 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 170 violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 27 remain unresolved.
What to know about Custer's water
Custer ranks #178 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Custer 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.
As a small community water system, Custer may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 11 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Custer, WA water safe to drink?
Custer's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (66/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,271 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Custer
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Custer's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (66/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3629). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1817). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Custer'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
Custer's water system has 170 total violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 27 remain unresolved. 11 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Pierce 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. Local water sources include North Fork Clover Creek, Clover Creek, Flett Creek, Leach Creek, Leach.
Where does Custer's water come from?
Custer's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 1,271 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include North Fork Clover Creek (river), Clover Creek (river), Flett Creek (river), Leach Creek (river), Leach (river).
What Custer residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Custer'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.
Custer'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 Custer
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Custer, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 159,993 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PHILLIPS 66 FERNDALE REFINERY FERNDALE, WA98248 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 122,302 | 6.0 mi |
BP CHERRY POINT REFINERY BLAINE, WA98230 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 37,692 | 4.4 mi |
LISTER CHAIN & FORGE INC BLAINE, WA98230 | — | — | 3.5 mi |
CHEMCO INC FERNDALE, WA98248 | — | — | 3.5 mi |
CARGILL ANIMAL NUTRITION FERNDALE, WA98248 | — | — | 4.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Pierce 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 Custer'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. | 1.5 | 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. | 2.37 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Custer compares by contaminant
Explore where Custer ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Custer's water comes from
Custer's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,271 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Custer
Custer is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Custer
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OLD SETTLERS WATER ASSOCIATION | WA5363350 | 540 | GW |
| Custer Water Association | WA5317050 | 365 | GW |
| PERCIE ROAD WATER ASSOCIATION | WA5367020 | 250 | GW |
| CEDAR LYNN WATER ASSOC | WA5312112 | 116 | GW |
How Custer compares
Full Washington rankings →Custer's score of 66/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About Custer, WA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Custer's water quality findings.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Custer, WA tap water safe to drink?
Custer's water quality earned a grade of C+ (66/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #178 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Custer's water?
Lead was measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile). 170 violations are on record.
How is Custer'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 Custer?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Custer's water come from?
Custer's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 1,271 residents.
What health violations has Custer's water system had?
Custer has 12 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. 27 violations remain unresolved.
Is Custer's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Custer 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 170 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.
How does Custer's water compare to other cities?
Custer ranks #178 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 39% of state cities) and #11443 out of 15744 cities nationally (27th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.