Is Kettle Falls, 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 ↓
90/100
waterverge.com Kettle Falls, WA — Water Quality Report
Kettle Falls's drinking water received a grade of A (90 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,698 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 6 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Kettle Falls's water
Kettle Falls ranks #44 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Kettle Falls 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, Kettle Falls may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Kettle Falls, WA water safe to drink?
Kettle Falls's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (90/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,698 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Kettle Falls
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Kettle Falls's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3227). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1172). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Kettle Falls's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Kettle Falls's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Stevens County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Colville River.
Where does Kettle Falls's water come from?
Kettle Falls's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,698 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Colville River (river).
What Kettle Falls 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.
Kettle Falls'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 Kettle Falls
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Kettle Falls, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
VAAGEN BROTHERS LUMBER COLVILLE, WA99114 | Lead compounds | 1 | 7.8 mi |
HEWES MARINE CO INC. COLVILLE, WA99114 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
BOISE CASCADE WOOD PRODUCTS LLC KETTLE FALLS PLYWOOD KETTLE FALLS, WA99141 | — | — | 2.5 mi |
BOISE CASCADE WOOD PRODUCTS LLC KETTLE FALLS LUMBER KETTLE FALLS, WA99141 | — | — | 0.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Kettle Falls
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.
- UPPER COLUMBIA RIVER4.6 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtStevens 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.
Flood & disaster history
Stevens County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Kettle Falls compares by contaminant
Explore where Kettle Falls ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Kettle Falls's water comes from
Kettle Falls'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 2,698 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Kettle Falls
Kettle Falls is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Kettle Falls
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KETTLE FALLS WATER DEPT | WA5338400 | 2,698 | GW |
How Kettle Falls compares
Full Washington rankings →Kettle Falls's score of 90/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About Kettle Falls, WA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Kettle Falls's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Stevens
Frequently asked questions
Is Kettle Falls, WA tap water safe to drink?
Kettle Falls's water quality earned a grade of A (90/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #44 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Kettle Falls's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is Kettle Falls'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 Kettle Falls?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Kettle Falls's water come from?
Kettle Falls's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,698 residents.
What health violations has Kettle Falls's water system had?
Kettle Falls has 1 health-based violation 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. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Kettle Falls's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Kettle Falls 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 6 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 Kettle Falls's water compare to other cities?
Kettle Falls ranks #44 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 85% of state cities) and #2469 out of 15744 cities nationally (84th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Kettle Falls's small water system affect quality?
Kettle Falls's system serves approximately 2,698 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 6 violations on record.