Is Ion, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
93.1/100
waterverge.com Ion, WA — Water Quality Report
Ion's drinking water received a grade of A (93.1 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,395 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.2 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 15 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ion's water
Ion ranks #19 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Ion 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, Ion may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ion, WA water safe to drink?
Ion's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (93.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,395 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ion
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ion's water quality assessment. Grade: A (93.1/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ion's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ion's water system has 15 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Ion's water come from?
Ion's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,395 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Ion residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ion'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtPend Oreille County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
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. | 1.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ion compares by contaminant
Explore where Ion ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ion's water comes from
Ion'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 2,395 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Ion
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| IONE WATER DEPT | WA5335900 | 2,395 | GW |
How Ion compares
Full Washington rankings →Ion's score of 93.1/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ion's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pend Oreille
Frequently asked questions
Is Ion, WA tap water safe to drink?
Ion's water quality earned a grade of A (93.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #19 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Ion's water?
Lead was measured at 1.2 ppb (90th percentile). 15 violations are on record.
How is Ion'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 Ion?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ion's water come from?
Ion's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,395 residents.
What health violations has Ion's water system had?
Ion has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Ion's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ion 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 15 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 Ion's water compare to other cities?
Ion ranks #19 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 94% of state cities) and #965 out of 15744 cities nationally (94th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Ion's small water system affect quality?
Ion's system serves approximately 2,395 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 15 violations on record.