Is Darrington, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Darrington, WA — Water Quality Report
Darrington's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,368 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 256 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved.
What to know about Darrington's water
Darrington ranks #246 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Darrington 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, Darrington may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 116 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Darrington, WA water safe to drink?
Darrington's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,368 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Darrington
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Darrington's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3629). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4539). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Darrington'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
Darrington's water system has 256 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved. 116 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Snohomish County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1979. 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 Sauk River Ab White Chuck River Nr Darrington, Sauk River.
Where does Darrington's water come from?
Darrington's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,368 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Sauk River Ab White Chuck River Nr Darrington (river), Sauk River (river).
What Darrington residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Darrington'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.
Darrington'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
Flood & disaster history
Snohomish County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1979. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Darrington'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. | 2.0 | 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. | 1.81 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.811 mg/L (1998)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Darrington compares by contaminant
Explore where Darrington ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Darrington's water comes from
Darrington'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 2,368 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Darrington
Darrington is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Darrington
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Darrington Town of | WA5317950 | 2,246 | GW |
| SAUK-SUIATTLE | 105311106 | 80 | GW |
| DARRINGTON WATER ASSOCIATION | WA5317945 | 42 | GW |
How Darrington compares
Full Washington rankings →Darrington's score of 46/100 is below the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About Darrington, WA
Wikipedia →Darrington is a town in Snohomish County, Washington, United States. It is located in a North Cascades mountain valley formed by the Sauk and North Fork Stillaguamish rivers. Darrington is connected to nearby areas by State Route 530, which runs along the two rivers towards the city of Arlington, located 30 miles (48 km) to the west, and Rockport. It had a population of 1,462 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Darrington's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Snohomish
Frequently asked questions
Is Darrington, WA tap water safe to drink?
Darrington's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #246 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Darrington's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 256 violations are on record.
How is Darrington'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 Darrington?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Darrington's water come from?
Darrington's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,368 residents.
What health violations has Darrington's water system had?
Darrington has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 28 violations remain unresolved.
Is Darrington's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Darrington 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 256 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 Darrington's water compare to other cities?
Darrington ranks #246 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 16% of state cities) and #14008 out of 15744 cities nationally (11th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.