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Is Lacey, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded F — but Copper, Manganese and 2 more were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓

129K residents served 76 water systems PWSID: WA5343500
Overall Score
41.8 / 100
Violations
81 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#277 of 294 in Washington Top 95% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
FGRADE
Water Quality Grade
41.8/100
waterverge.com
F 41.8/100

Lacey, WA — Water Quality Report

Lacey's drinking water received a grade of F (41.8 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 76 water systems serve approximately 129,135 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. UCMR 5 testing detected 4 PFAS compounds in the water supply.

The system has 1813 violations on record, including 125 health-based violations. 81 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Step 1 See the 12 contaminants we flagged Measured levels for Lead and Copper vs. EPA limits. Step 2 Best filter for pfas Reverse Osmosis or Activated Carbon Block — our tested picks for removing pfas. Step 3 How Lacey compares Lacey scores below nearby cities (avg 53/100).
Analysis

What to know about Lacey's water

Lacey ranks #277 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.

Lacey 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.

PFAS compounds were detected in testing, though levels remain within current EPA limits. Residents seeking extra precaution may consider an activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter.

Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.54 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.

The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
41.8 out of 100 Grade F
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
0/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
16/20
B
Lead at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
10.8/20
D
4 PFAS compounds detected.
Compliance
10/10
A
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Lacey, WA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Lacey's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (41.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 76 water systems serve approximately 129,135 residents using groundwater (wells).

81
Active Violations
1.5 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
4 compounds
PFAS Detected
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Lacey

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

PFAS
4 PFAS "forever chemical" compounds detected

Detected at levels within current EPA limits. PFAS persist indefinitely in the environment.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lacey's water quality assessment. Grade: F (41.8/100).

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3629). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lacey's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.5 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 2.70 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.

PFAS (4 compounds) Elevated
Detected: Highest: PFPeA at 0.0188 µg/L Limit: 0.004 µg/L (EPA MCL)

Detected but within current EPA limits. PFAS do not break down in the environment and can accumulate in the body over time. An activated carbon filter can reduce exposure.

PFAS "forever chemicals" detected

UCMR 5 testing found 4 PFAS compounds in Lacey's water supply. PFAS are synthetic chemicals that persist indefinitely in the environment and the human body.

Compound Level EPA MCL Status
PFPeA 0.0188 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Within Limit
PFHxA 0.0098 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Within Limit
PFBS 0.0042 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Within Limit
PFHxS 0.0031 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Within Limit

Violation history

Lacey's water system has 1,813 total violations on record, including 125 health-based violations. 81 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MONTTMRMCLOther
Most recent violations:
Jul 2025 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Jun 2025 Groundwater Rule Resolved
Apr 2024 TTHM Resolved
Apr 2024 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Jan 2024 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Thurston County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1977. 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 Deschutes River.

SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-3629
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, SNOWSTORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODIN
Flood FEMA DR-4650
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-4539

Where does Lacey's water come from?

Lacey's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 76 water systems serving approximately 129,135 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Deschutes River (river).

What Lacey residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: Activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lacey's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Lacey'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.5 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 10% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
2.70 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +20% over limit
Exceeds Limit
PFPeA
PFAS / Forever Chemical
Near MCL
0.0188 µg/L
EPA MCL: 0.004 µg/L · +20% over limit
Detected
HAA5 (Disinfection Byproducts)
Disinfection Byproduct
Safe
4.0 µg/L
EPA MCL: 60 µg/L · 7% of limit
Within LimitUCMR 4 DataHAA6Br: 2.0 µg/LHAA9: 5.7 µg/L
Chromium-6 (Hexavalent Chromium)
Inorganic
Detected
0.54 µg/L
CA MCL (no federal MCL): 10 µg/L · 5% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Strontium
Inorganic
Detected
130.0 µg/L
EPA Health Ref Level: 1,500 µg/L · 9% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
1,4-Dioxane
Organic
Detected
0.08 µg/L
EPA Health Advisory: 0.35 µg/L · 22% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Manganese
Inorganic
Over SMCL
71.6 µg/L
EPA Secondary MCL: 50 µg/L · +20% over limit
Over SMCLUCMR 4 Data
NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamine)
Disinfection Byproduct
Elevated
8.2 ng/L
CA Public Health Goal: 10 ng/L · 82% of limit
DetectedProbable CarcinogenUCMR 2 Data (2008–2010)
Perchlorate
Inorganic
Over CA MCL
9.00 µg/L
CA MCL (no federal MCL): 6 µg/L · +20% over limit
Over CA MCLUCMR 1 Data (2001–2005)
Vanadium
Inorganic
Detected
6.40 µg/L
EPA Short-term HA: 21 µg/L · 30% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Chlorate
Disinfection Byproduct
Over HA
870.0 µg/L
EPA Lifetime HA: 210 µg/L · +20% over limit
Over Health AdvisoryUCMR 3 Data
PFAS Testing

Forever chemicals overview

National PFAS report →
30
Compounds tested
4
Detected
0
Exceed EPA MCL
Compliance Record

Violation summary

1813
Total violations
125
Health-based
81
Active / unresolved
Jul 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

1813 Total
81 Active
125 Health-based
1732 Resolved
4 SNC
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
480
Total Coliform Rule
421
Inorganic Chemicals
341
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
276
Lead and Copper Rule
61
Jan 2020 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2015 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 2015 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2015 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2014 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2012 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2012 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2011 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2011 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 2011 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2010 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2010 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2010 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 2010 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2009 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2008 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2008 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2008 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2007 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2007 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Showing 20 of 1813 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Lacey

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lacey, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
KLOECKNER METALS CORP
Fabricated Metals · KLOECKNER METALS CORP
TUMWATER, WA98512
Nickel07.4 mi
BASALITE
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · PACIFIC COAST BUILDING PRODUCTS INC
DUPONT, WA98327
——9.4 mi
AMERICAN WATER JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD SOLO POINT WWTP
Other · US DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
TACOMA, WA98433
——9.9 mi
CH2O INC
Chemicals · NA
OLYMPIA, WA98501
——6.8 mi
CROWN BEVERAGE PACKAGING
Fabricated Metals · CROWN HOLDINGS INC
OLYMPIA, WA98501
——2.3 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

Superfund sites within 10 miles of Lacey

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.

Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Dec 2025
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Thurston County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1977. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Dec 2025
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #3629
Mar 2022
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, SNOWSTORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODIN
Flood FEMA #4650
Apr 2020
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4539
Jan 2009
SEVERE WINTER STORM, LANDSLIDES, MUDSLIDES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1817
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Coastal Storm FEMA #3227
Apr 1997
HEAVY RAINS, SNOW MELT, FLOODING, LAND & MUD SLIDES
Flood FEMA #1172
Filter Recommendations

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Lacey's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🧪
For PFAS
Reverse Osmosis or Activated Carbon Block
4 PFAS compounds detected
🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L
All Tested Contaminants

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.5 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 2.70 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
11Cl-PF3OUdS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
4:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
6:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
8:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
9Cl-PF3ONS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
ADONA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
HFPO-DA ND 0.01 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
lithium ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NEtFOSAA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NFDHA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NMeFOSAA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFBA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFBS 0.004 HI µg/L PFAS Detected
PFDA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFDoA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFEESA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHpA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHpS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHxA 0.010 HI µg/L PFAS Detected
PFHxS 0.003 HI µg/L PFAS Detected
PFMBA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFMPA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFNA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFOA ND 0.004 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFOS ND 0.004 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFPeA 0.019 HI µg/L PFAS Detected
PFPeS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFTA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFTrDA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFUnA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.
Lead Level History

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
↘ Lead has decreased by 10.0 ppb from 1992 (10.0 ppb) to 2025 (0.0 ppb).
Copper Level History

Copper level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
↘ Copper has decreased by 2.315 mg/L from 1997 (5.015 mg/L) to 2015 (2.700 mg/L).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Lacey compares by contaminant

Explore where Lacey ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.

Pb
Lead in Washington
Cities ranked by 90th percentile lead level (ppb)
→
PF
PFAS in Washington
Cities ranked by PFAS compounds detected
→
Cu
Copper in Washington
Cities ranked by 90th percentile copper level (mg/L)
→
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
129,135
Water Systems
76
Source breakdown
Groundwater
75
Purchased Groundwater
1
Water Source

Where Lacey's water comes from

Groundwater

Lacey'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 129,135 people through 76 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Lacey

Lacey is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Deschutes River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Lacey

System Name PWSID Population Source
LACEY WATER DEPARTMENT WA5343500 103,755 GW
TANGLEWILDE THOMPSON PLACE 600 WA5304397 7,900 GW
PATTISON 500 WA5366578 4,302 GW
MEADOWS 690 WA5387784 3,100 GW
CRESCENT PARK 355 WA5316000 550 GW
QUAIL RUN 667 WA5370185 493 GW
COUNTRYWOOD ESTATES 680 WA5308393 488 GW
HAWLEY HILLS 686 WA53AB037 425 GW
TIMBERLINE VILLAGE 628 WA5388388 378 GW
HAWK ACRES 607 WA5331845 328 GW
TERRY LANE 354 WA5387622 308 GW
SCATTER CREEK RANCH 760 WA53AA916 268 GW
KEANLAND PARK 761 WA53AD179 268 GW
LAZY ACRES 351 WA5346441 267 GW
WALCZAK 620 WA5392350 256 GW
PRAIRIE RIDGE 605 WA5302356 250 GW
EAST OLYMPIA 684 WA5304601 230 GW
TOLMIE PARK 239 WA5388667 195 GW
RIDGEWOOD 609 WA5372414 188 GW
CEDAR RIDGE 617 WA5302938 186 GW
ROY 325TH 668 WA5324721 185 GW
BURNSVILLE 676 WA5305329 183 GW
SPANAWAY 192ND 669 WA5315531 183 GW
COUNTRY CLUB 679 WA5315503 175 GW
LOMA VISTA 369 WA5346164 172 GW
HORSFALL 608 WA5334505 165 GW
NISQUALLY HIGHLANDS 364 WA5300953 162 GW
CEDARWOOD 763 WA5312100 153 GW
PALERMO 691 WA5305277 150 GW
BOOTS & SADDLES 662 WA5307730 150 GW
TRAVIS JACK 264 WA5333924 150 GW
VALLEY MEADOWS 240 WA5390981 148 GW
DESCHUTES VILLAGE 683 WA5319035 140 GW
VINEYARD THE 696 WA5305290 130 GW
SKOOKUMCHUCK 612 WA5379860 130 GW
PRAIRIE VIEW ESTATES 759 WA5304793 107 GW
TALCOTT RIDGE 695 WA53AA139 102 GW
GLACIER VISTA 665 WA5307749 100 GW
EGGIMANN 664 WA5322585 100 GW
RIVERLEA 692 WA5372817 100 GW
ELK HEIGHTS 247 WA5352614 98 GW
LEWS 81ST 225 WA5360490 92 GW
GIFFORDS 685 WA5300886 90 GW
CEDAR SHORES 677 WA5304953 90 GW
PEDERSON PLACE 604 WA5366734 90 GW
MAXVALE 618 WA5307486 88 GW
M & R WATER CO LADY DAWN ESTATES WA5300956 83 GW
TAHOMA MEADOWS 694 WA5307215 80 GW
WILDERNESS GLEN 263 WA5331226 75 GW
REDTAIL HAWK 616 WA53AA776 75 GW
ROM 626 WA5371930 74 GW
LONGHORN COUNTRY ESTATES 687 WA5330190 70 GW
MOUNTAIN LAKEVIEW 619 WA5356736 70 GW
FOREST GLEN 762 WA5301712 62 GW
COPPERMILL 520 WA53AD478 62 GW
CROCKER CREEK 663 WA5338261 60 GW
WEBSTER HILL 610 WA5359875 55 GW
CROWDER ROAD 213 WA5316277 54 GW
EVERGREEN VISTA 308 WA5331881 50 GW
PLEASANT VALLEY 307 WA5338081 50 GW
SILVER FOX 693 WA5359953 50 GW
CORNERSTONE ESTATES 606 WA5300133 48 GW
PIT WATER CO 328 WA5305956 48 GW
141ST AVE KPN 661 WA5324781 48 GW
CLERGET 253 WA5338171 48 GW
WHISKEY HOLLOW 670 WA5320692 45 GW
MEADOW WOOD 689 WA5363131 43 GW
SMITH PRAIRIE 251 WA5357851 42 GW
COVINGTON 212 WA5302050 40 GWP
PRAIRIE VILLA 230 WA5369166 40 GW
COOPERFIELD 678 WA5304459 38 GW
BISCAY DUPLEXES 675 WA5307160 36 GW
AUST 210 WA5301222 35 GW
GLEN ALDER 522 WA5327900 31 GW
SANDRA AVENUE 627 WA5354591 30 GW
SWARD 278 WA5306046 25 GW
Regional Comparison

How Lacey compares

Full Washington rankings →

Lacey's score of 41.8/100 is below the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.

Lacey (this city)
41.8
Seattle
42.3
Tacoma
32.2
Vancouver
32.9
Spokane
39.2
Kent
44.4
Washington avg
53
Regional Comparison

Nearby cities

View Washington rankings →
Seattle
Washington
F
Score: 42.3 · 1889 violations · 1.2M residents
View report →
Tacoma
Washington
F
Score: 32.2 · 2772 violations · 628K residents
View report →
Vancouver
Washington
F
Score: 32.9 · 1604 violations · 496K residents
View report →
Spokane
Washington
F
Score: 39.2 · 2463 violations · 427K residents
View report →
Kent
Washington
F
Score: 44.4 · 244 violations · 360K residents
View report →
Bellevue
Washington
A
Score: 91.6 · 9 violations · 317K residents
View report →
Everett
Washington
D
Score: 45.4 · 229 violations · 282K residents
View report →
Lynnwood
Washington
B-
Score: 74.8 · 14 violations · 268K residents
View report →
Renton
Washington
D+
Score: 54.1 · 207 violations · 193K residents
View report →
Redmond
Washington
B-
Score: 73.3 · 177 violations · 175K residents
View report →
City Profile

About Lacey, WA

Wikipedia →

Lacey is a city in Thurston County, Washington, United States. It is a suburb of Olympia with a population of 53,526 at the 2020 census, making it the 24th most populous city in Washington. Lacey is located along Interstate 5 between Olympia and the Nisqually River, which marks the border with Pierce County and Joint Base Lewis–McChord.

Economic Profile
$79,874
Median Income
$375,817
Median Home Value
$1,639/mo
Median Rent
5.4%
Unemployment
Community
36.5
Median Age
1,178
People / sq mi
32%
College Educated
57.9%
Homeownership

Learn more about your water

Guides and resources related to Lacey's water quality findings.

Copper Contaminant Profile
EPA action levels, health effects, and copper removal options.
Read more →
PFAS Contaminant Profile
Detailed profile on PFAS contamination in US water systems.
Read more →
PFAS Forever Chemicals Explained
Learn what PFAS are, how they get into water, and what filtration removes them.
Read more →
County Data

Explore water quality across Thurston

Thurston Water Quality Rankings
Compare all cities in the county — grades, violations, and contaminant data side by side.
→
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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Lacey, WA tap water safe to drink?

Lacey's water quality earned a grade of F (41.8/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #277 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.

What contaminants are in Lacey's water?

Lead was measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile). 4 PFAS compounds were detected. 1813 violations are on record.

How is Lacey'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 Lacey?

PFAS compounds have been detected. A filter with activated carbon can help reduce exposure.

Where does Lacey's water come from?

Lacey's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 76 water systems serving approximately 129,135 residents.

What health violations has Lacey's water system had?

Lacey has 125 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 81 violations remain unresolved.

Is Lacey's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Lacey 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 1813 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.

Why does Lacey have so many PFAS compounds in its water?

4 different PFAS "forever chemical" compounds were detected in Lacey's water supply during UCMR 5 testing. PFAS contamination often originates from proximity to military installations (AFFF firefighting foam), airports, industrial manufacturing sites, or wastewater treatment facilities. While detected, current levels are within EPA limits. An activated carbon filter can further reduce exposure.

How does Lacey's water compare to other cities?

Lacey ranks #277 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 6% of state cities) and #14936 out of 15744 cities nationally (5th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.