Is Fox Island, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
81.7/100
waterverge.com Fox Island, WA — Water Quality Report
Fox Island's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,255 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 214 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fox Island's water
Fox Island ranks #129 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Fox Island 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, Fox Island may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fox Island, WA water safe to drink?
Fox Island's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,255 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Fox Island
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fox Island's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3629). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1817). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Dinoseb, Dalapon, OXAMYL.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Fox Island'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
Fox Island's water system has 214 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
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 Huge Creek, Clover Creek, Flett Creek, Leach Creek, Leach.
Where does Fox Island's water come from?
Fox Island's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,255 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Huge Creek (river), Clover Creek (river), Flett Creek (river), Leach Creek (river), Leach (river).
What Fox Island residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fox Island'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.
Fox Island'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 Fox Island
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Fox Island, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GENERAL PLASTICS MANUFACTURING CO TACOMA, WA98409 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
NORTHWEST ETCH TACOMA, WA98409 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
BRADKEN ENERGY TACOMA, WA98409 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
BRADKEN INC TACOMA, WA98409 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
U.S. ARMY JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD JBLM, WA984339500 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Fox Island
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- COMMENCEMENT BAY SOUTH TACOMA CHANNEL8.4 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
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 Fox Island'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 1.80 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.800 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Fox Island compares by contaminant
Explore where Fox Island ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fox Island's water comes from
Fox Island'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 3,255 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Fox Island
Fox Island is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Fox Island
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fox Island Mutual Water Assoc | WA5326300 | 3,255 | GW |
How Fox Island compares
Full Washington rankings →Fox Island's score of 81.7/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About Fox Island, WA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fox Island's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pierce
Frequently asked questions
Is Fox Island, WA tap water safe to drink?
Fox Island's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #129 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Fox Island's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 214 violations are on record.
How is Fox Island'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 Fox Island?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fox Island's water come from?
Fox Island's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,255 residents.
What health violations has Fox Island's water system had?
Fox Island has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2015. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Fox Island's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Fox Island 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 214 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 Fox Island's water compare to other cities?
Fox Island ranks #129 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 56% of state cities) and #7342 out of 15744 cities nationally (53th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Fox Island's small water system affect quality?
Fox Island's system serves approximately 3,255 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 214 violations on record.