Is Ilwaco, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
92.6/100
waterverge.com Ilwaco, WA — Water Quality Report
Ilwaco's drinking water received a grade of A (92.6 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,757 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 50 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ilwaco's water
Ilwaco ranks #23 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Ilwaco may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ilwaco, WA water safe to drink?
Ilwaco's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (92.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,757 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Ilwaco
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ilwaco's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.6/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4650). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4539). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ilwaco's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ilwaco's water system has 50 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Pacific 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.
Where does Ilwaco's water come from?
Ilwaco's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,757 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Ilwaco residents can do
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.
Ilwaco'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
Pacific 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ilwaco compares by contaminant
Explore where Ilwaco ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ilwaco's water comes from
Ilwaco's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,757 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Ilwaco
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ILWACO WATER DEPARTMENT CITY OF | WA5335500 | 2,757 | SW |
How Ilwaco compares
Full Washington rankings →Ilwaco's score of 92.6/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About Ilwaco, WA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ilwaco's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pacific
Frequently asked questions
Is Ilwaco, WA tap water safe to drink?
Ilwaco's water quality earned a grade of A (92.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #23 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Ilwaco's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 50 violations are on record.
How is Ilwaco'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 Ilwaco?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ilwaco's water come from?
Ilwaco's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,757 residents.
What health violations has Ilwaco's water system had?
Ilwaco has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2016. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Ilwaco's water compare to other cities?
Ilwaco ranks #23 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 92% of state cities) and #1174 out of 15744 cities nationally (93th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Ilwaco's small water system affect quality?
Ilwaco's system serves approximately 2,757 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 50 violations on record.