Is Lake Stevens, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
62.9/100
waterverge.com Lake Stevens, WA — Water Quality Report
Lake Stevens's drinking water received a grade of C (62.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 558 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.7 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 184 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lake Stevens's water
Lake Stevens ranks #189 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Lake Stevens 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, Lake Stevens may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 13 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lake Stevens, WA water safe to drink?
Lake Stevens's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (62.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 558 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lake Stevens
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lake Stevens's water quality assessment. Grade: C (62.9/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3629). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4539). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lake Stevens's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Lake Stevens's water system has 184 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved. 13 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Snohomish County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1979. 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 Pilchuck River, Snohomish River, Sf Stillaguamish River.
Where does Lake Stevens's water come from?
Lake Stevens's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 558 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Pilchuck River (river), Snohomish River (river), Sf Stillaguamish River (river).
What Lake Stevens residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lake Stevens'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.
Lake Stevens'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 Lake Stevens
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lake Stevens, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 13 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BOEING COMMERCIAL AIRPLANES - EVERETT EVERETT, WA98204 | Copper | 13 | 9.9 mi |
ACHILLES USA INC EVERETT, WA98203 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
AVTECHTYEE EVERETT, WA98203 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
WESTLAKE ROYAL STONE LLC - EVERETT EVERETT, WA98203 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
US NAVAL STATION EVERETT EVERETT, WA98207 | — | — | 5.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Snohomish County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1979. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Lake Stevens's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 1.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lake Stevens compares by contaminant
Explore where Lake Stevens ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lake Stevens's water comes from
Lake Stevens'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 558 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Lake Stevens
Lake Stevens is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Lake Stevens
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CEDAR SPRINGS CAMP | WA5317901 | 308 | GW |
| MOUNTAIN LOOP VIEW TRACTS | WA5356528 | 200 | GW |
| MOUNT FOREST WATER SYSTEM | WA5355874 | 50 | GW |
How Lake Stevens compares
Full Washington rankings →Lake Stevens's score of 62.9/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About Lake Stevens, WA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lake Stevens's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Snohomish
Frequently asked questions
Is Lake Stevens, WA tap water safe to drink?
Lake Stevens's water quality earned a grade of C (62.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #189 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Lake Stevens's water?
Lead was measured at 1.7 ppb (90th percentile). 184 violations are on record.
How is Lake Stevens'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 Lake Stevens?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lake Stevens's water come from?
Lake Stevens's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 558 residents.
What health violations has Lake Stevens's water system had?
Lake Stevens has 7 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. 23 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lake Stevens's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lake Stevens 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 184 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 Lake Stevens's water compare to other cities?
Lake Stevens ranks #189 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 36% of state cities) and #11832 out of 15744 cities nationally (25th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.