Is Freeland, 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 ↓
48/100
waterverge.com Freeland, WA — Water Quality Report
Freeland's drinking water received a grade of D (48 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 49 water systems serve approximately 14,133 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.9 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 3935 violations on record, including 129 health-based violations. 152 remain unresolved.
What to know about Freeland's water
Freeland ranks #223 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Freeland 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 111 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Freeland, WA water safe to drink?
Freeland's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (48/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 49 water systems serve approximately 14,133 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Freeland
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Freeland's water quality assessment. Grade: D (48/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Arsenic.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Arsenic.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4650). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4635). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Freeland'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
Freeland's water system has 3,935 total violations on record, including 129 health-based violations. 152 remain unresolved. 111 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Island County has experienced 6 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.
Where does Freeland's water come from?
Freeland's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 49 water systems serving approximately 14,133 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Freeland residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Freeland'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.
Freeland'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
Island County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1990. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Freeland'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. | 0.9 | 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. | 1.93 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Freeland compares by contaminant
Explore where Freeland ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Freeland's water comes from
Freeland'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 14,133 people through 49 water systems.
Water systems serving Freeland
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HARBOR HILLS COMMUNITY WATER SYSTEM | WA5333860 | 1,373 | GW |
| FREELAND WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT | WA5326450 | 1,264 | GW |
| W&B WATERWORKS 1 | WA5346670 | 1,112 | GW |
| BAYVIEW BEACH WATER DISTRICT | WA5305535 | 1,035 | GW |
| ISLAND LAKE | WA5336150 | 883 | GW |
| Admirals Cove Water District | WA5300410 | 870 | GW |
| DIAMOND POINT | WA5319210 | 810 | GW |
| LYNCH COVE | WA5349100 | 721 | GW |
| SANDY HOOK YACHT CLUB ESTATES | WA5376050 | 540 | GW |
| SEA VIEW WATER LLC | WA5377148 | 496 | GW |
| LAKE ALYSON | WA5350691 | 463 | GW |
| SARATOGA BEACH OWNERS ASSN | WA5376240 | 425 | GW |
| SILVER LAKE WATER | WA5379245 | 425 | GW |
| CROCKETT LAKE WATER DISTRICT | WA5316256 | 325 | GW |
| SWANTOWN WATER DISTRICT | WA5396042 | 318 | GW |
| BEACHCOMBER H2O CO | WA5304979 | 310 | GW |
| CAL WATERWORKS | WA5331040 | 239 | GW |
| BABY ISLAND HEIGHTS WATER ASSOC | WA5303660 | 211 | GW |
| TEL COMPANY#1 | WA5303099 | 210 | GW |
| LEDGEWOOD BEACH WATER DISTRICT | WA5346650 | 202 | GW |
| MUTINY VIEW MANOR COMMUNITY CLUB | WA5357930 | 173 | GW |
| MAPLE GLEN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION | WA5351115 | 130 | GW |
| LAKE-O-THE-WOODS | WA5323456 | 108 | GW |
| AGATE WEST | WA5300515 | 100 | GW |
| WHEEL ESTATES PARK | WA5395942 | 95 | GW |
| DEER LAKE HAVEN INC | WA5318450 | 90 | GW |
| NORTH BOON WATER SYSTEM | WA5318821 | 75 | GW |
| RIDGEVIEW ESTATES COMMUNITY ASSN. | WA5326791 | 75 | GW |
| TEL COMPANY 3 | WA5393945 | 75 | GW |
| HIGHLAND MEADOWS | WA5332785 | 70 | GW |
| TEL COMPANY 4 | WA5376976 | 69 | GW |
| BACUS ROAD #1 | WA5364327 | 62 | GW |
| SWANRUN WATER SYSTEM | WA5307663 | 60 | GW |
| ISLAND PARK MOBILE HOME PARK | WA5329599 | 60 | GW |
| MAHONEYVILLE WATER ASSOC | WA5350295 | 60 | GW |
| BUSH POINT TERRACE COMM CLUB INC. | WA5309930 | 55 | GW |
| HOPE VIEW WATER CO | WA5334300 | 53 | GW |
| MUTINY SANDS CLUB | WA5357900 | 52 | GW |
| DEL BAY | WA5318575 | 50 | GW |
| GREENBANK ESTATES WATER SYSTEM | WA5329710 | 47 | GW |
| PINEWOOD COMMUNITY CLUB INC | WA5367704 | 47 | GW |
| WINDMILL HEIGHTS COMM CLUB | WA5397440 | 45 | GW |
| BRIARWOOD WATER SYSTEM | WA5308324 | 44 | GW |
| HARBOR HILL | WA5331003 | 43 | GW |
| SANDBERG WATER ASSN | WA5322691 | 37 | GW |
| Cedarhearth Water | WA5396889 | 37 | GW |
| ROLF BRUUN | WA5308915 | 36 | GW |
| Goss Lakeridge Acres Association | WA5322070 | 27 | GWP |
| CASCADE VIEW ROAD WATER SYSTEM | WA5328020 | 26 | GW |
How Freeland compares
Full Washington rankings →Freeland's score of 48/100 is on par with the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About Freeland, WA
Wikipedia →Freeland is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) on Whidbey Island in Island County, Washington, United States. At the time of the 2020 census the population was 2,252. The town received its name based on its origins as a socialist commune in the early 1900s: in the eyes of its founders, the land of the town was literally to be free for all people. Some of the first settlers were veterans of a prior experiment in socialism, the nearby Equality Colony.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Freeland's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Island
Frequently asked questions
Is Freeland, WA tap water safe to drink?
Freeland's water quality earned a grade of D (48/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #223 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Freeland's water?
Lead was measured at 0.9 ppb (90th percentile). 3935 violations are on record.
How is Freeland'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 Freeland?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Freeland's water come from?
Freeland's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 49 water systems serving approximately 14,133 residents.
What health violations has Freeland's water system had?
Freeland has 129 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 152 violations remain unresolved.
Is Freeland's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Freeland 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 3935 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 Freeland's water compare to other cities?
Freeland ranks #223 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 24% of state cities) and #13501 out of 15744 cities nationally (14th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.