Is Falls City, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 14 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.3/100
Falls City, WA — Water Quality Report
Falls City's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,075 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.5 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 35 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved.
What to know about Falls City's water
Falls City ranks #107 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Falls City purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Falls City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Falls City, WA water safe to drink?
Falls City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,075 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Falls City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Falls City's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.3/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Falls City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Falls City's water system has 35 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Falls City's water come from?
Falls City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,075 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Falls City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Falls 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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
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. | 0.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Falls City compares by contaminant
Explore where Falls City ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Falls City's water comes from
Falls City purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Falls City's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 2,075 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Falls City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WILDERNESS RIM ASSOCIATION | WA5396878 | 1,867 | GWP |
| UPPER PRESTON WATER ASSN | WA5390700 | 150 | GW |
| ALPINE WATER ASSOCIATION | WA5307667 | 58 | GWP |
How Falls City compares
Full Washington rankings →Falls City's score of 84.3/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Falls City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across King
Frequently asked questions
Is Falls City, WA tap water safe to drink?
Falls City's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #107 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Falls City's water?
Lead was measured at 0.5 ppb (90th percentile). 35 violations are on record.
How is Falls 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 Falls City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Falls City's water come from?
Falls City's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,075 residents.
What health violations has Falls City's water system had?
Falls City has 2 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. 14 violations remain unresolved.
Is Falls City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Falls 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 35 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 Falls City's water compare to other cities?
Falls City ranks #107 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 64% of state cities) and #5982 out of 15744 cities nationally (62th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.