Is Glacier, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.3/100
waterverge.com Glacier, WA — Water Quality Report
Glacier's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,383 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.1 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 13 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Glacier's water
Glacier ranks #74 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Glacier 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, Glacier may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Glacier, WA water safe to drink?
Glacier's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,383 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Glacier
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Glacier's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.3/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3629). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4635). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Glacier's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Glacier's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Whatcom 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 Nf Nooksack River Bl Cascade Creek Nr Glacier.
Where does Glacier's water come from?
Glacier's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,383 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Nf Nooksack River Bl Cascade Creek Nr Glacier (river).
What Glacier residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Glacier'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.
Glacier'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
Whatcom 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.
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. | 1.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Glacier compares by contaminant
Explore where Glacier ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Glacier's water comes from
Glacier'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 2,383 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Glacier
Glacier is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Glacier
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GLACIER WATER DISTRICT | WA5395915 | 2,383 | GW |
How Glacier compares
Full Washington rankings →Glacier's score of 87.3/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About Glacier, WA
Wikipedia →Glacier is a census-designated place in the North Fork Nooksack River Valley, at an elevation of 906 ft., just 10 miles northwest of the Mount Baker Summit towering nearly 10,000 ft above it, in Whatcom County, Washington, United States. The population was 300 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Glacier's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Whatcom
Frequently asked questions
Is Glacier, WA tap water safe to drink?
Glacier's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #74 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Glacier's water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is Glacier'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 Glacier?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Glacier's water come from?
Glacier's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,383 residents.
What health violations has Glacier's water system had?
Glacier has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Glacier's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Glacier 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 13 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 Glacier's water compare to other cities?
Glacier ranks #74 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 75% of state cities) and #4137 out of 15744 cities nationally (74th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Glacier's small water system affect quality?
Glacier's system serves approximately 2,383 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 13 violations on record.