Is Fall City, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
70.1/100
waterverge.com Fall City, WA — Water Quality Report
Fall City's drinking water received a grade of B- (70.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 3,487 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 257 violations on record, including 18 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fall City's water
Fall City ranks #165 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Fall City 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.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fall City, WA water safe to drink?
Fall City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (70.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 3,487 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Fall City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fall City's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (70.1/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3629). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
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 Fall City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Fall City's water system has 257 total violations on record, including 18 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
King County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1990. 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 Canyon Creek, Cedar River, Issaquah Creek, Boxley Creek, Sf Snoqualmie River.
Where does Fall City's water come from?
Fall City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 6 water systems serving approximately 3,487 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Canyon Creek (river), Cedar River (river), Issaquah Creek (river), Boxley Creek (river), Sf Snoqualmie River (river).
What Fall City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fall City'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.
Fall City'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 Fall City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Fall City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DARIGOLD - ISSAQUAH ISSAQUAH, WA98027 | — | — | 6.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
King County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1990. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Fall City compares by contaminant
Explore where Fall City ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fall City's water comes from
Fall City'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 3,487 people through 6 water systems.
Water bodies near Fall City
Fall City is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Fall City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FALL CITY WATER DIST. #127 | WA5324550 | 2,987 | GW |
| SPRING GLEN ASSOCIATION | WA5383295 | 245 | GW |
| Lake Alice Water Association | WA5335126 | 90 | GW |
| FALL CITY WATER DIST. (PLUM CREEK) | WA5364294 | 59 | GW |
| FALL CITY WATER DIST.(SPRING HILL) | WA5383310 | 57 | GW |
| FALL CITY WATER DIST. (RUTH) | WA5302006 | 49 | GW |
How Fall City compares
Full Washington rankings →Fall City's score of 70.1/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About Fall City, WA
Wikipedia →Fall City is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in King County, Washington, United States, 25 miles (40 km) east of Seattle. The community lies along the Snoqualmie River and Raging River. The population was 2,032 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fall City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across King
Frequently asked questions
Is Fall City, WA tap water safe to drink?
Fall City's water quality earned a grade of B- (70.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #165 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Fall City's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 257 violations are on record.
How is Fall City'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 Fall City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fall City's water come from?
Fall City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 6 water systems serving approximately 3,487 residents.
What health violations has Fall City's water system had?
Fall City has 18 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Fall City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Fall City 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 257 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 Fall City's water compare to other cities?
Fall City ranks #165 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 44% of state cities) and #10806 out of 15744 cities nationally (31th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.