Is Graham, 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 ↓
90.5/100
waterverge.com Graham, WA — Water Quality Report
Graham's drinking water received a grade of A (90.5 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,759 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 39 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Graham's water
Graham ranks #37 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Graham 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, Graham may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Graham, WA water safe to drink?
Graham's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (90.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,759 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Graham
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Graham's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.5/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3629). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1817). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Graham's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Graham's water system has 39 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
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 North Fork Clover Creek, Puyallup River, Swan Creek.
Where does Graham's water come from?
Graham's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,759 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include North Fork Clover Creek (river), Puyallup River (river), Swan Creek (river).
What Graham residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Graham'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.
Graham'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 Graham
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Graham, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CENTRAL PREMIX CONCRETE PRODUCTS CO TACOMA, WA98446 | Lead | 0 | 5.6 mi |
BOEING COMMERCIAL AIRPLANES-FREDERICKSON PUYALLUP, WA98375 | — | — | 5.5 mi |
CARLISLE CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS LLC PUYALLUP, WA98375 | — | — | 4.9 mi |
JAMES HARDIE BUILDING PRODUCTS TACOMA TACOMA, WA98446 | — | — | 5.7 mi |
TORAY COMPOSITE MATERIALS AMERICA TACOMA, WA98446 | — | — | 5.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Graham
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.
- HIDDEN VALLEY LANDFILL THUN FIELD4.2 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.
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 Graham compares by contaminant
Explore where Graham ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Graham's water comes from
Graham'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 1,759 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Graham
Graham is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Graham
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRAHAM HILL MUTUAL WATER CO INC | WA5328650 | 1,474 | GW |
| MERIDIAN TERRACE MOBILE HOME PARK | WA5351823 | 229 | GW |
| MOUNTAIN HIGHWAY APARTMENTS | WA5326955 | 56 | GW |
How Graham compares
Full Washington rankings →Graham's score of 90.5/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About Graham, WA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Graham's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pierce
Frequently asked questions
Is Graham, WA tap water safe to drink?
Graham's water quality earned a grade of A (90.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #37 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Graham's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 39 violations are on record.
How is Graham'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 Graham?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Graham's water come from?
Graham's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,759 residents.
What health violations has Graham's water system had?
Graham has 5 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 Graham's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Graham 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 39 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 Graham's water compare to other cities?
Graham ranks #37 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 87% of state cities) and #2195 out of 15744 cities nationally (86th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.