Is Lake Tapps, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
74.8/100
waterverge.com Lake Tapps, WA — Water Quality Report
Lake Tapps's drinking water received a grade of B- (74.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,675 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.5 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 95 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lake Tapps's water
Lake Tapps ranks #149 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Lake Tapps 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 Tapps may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lake Tapps, WA water safe to drink?
Lake Tapps's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (74.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,675 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lake Tapps
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lake Tapps's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (74.8/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3629). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1817). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lake Tapps'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 Tapps's water system has 95 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Pierce 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. Local water sources include South Prairie Creek, Puyallup River, White River, Lake Tapps, Lake Tapps Diversion.
Where does Lake Tapps's water come from?
Lake Tapps's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,675 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include South Prairie Creek (river), Puyallup River (river), White River (river), Lake Tapps (lake), Lake Tapps Diversion (stream).
What Lake Tapps residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lake Tapps'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 Tapps'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 Tapps
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lake Tapps, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 358 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SONOCO PRODUCTS CO SUMNER, WA98390 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 356 | 3.5 mi |
BOEING COMMERCIAL AIRPLANES - AUBURN AUBURN, WA98001 | Copper | 2 | 5.5 mi |
PRIMUS AUBURN ALGONA, WA98001 | Chromium | 0 | 5.4 mi |
GLACIER NORTHWEST INC TACOMA PLANT TACOMA, WA98421 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 0 | 9.3 mi |
FORMULA LABS LLC. DBA FORMULA CORP AUBURN, WA98002 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Pierce 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Lake Tapps'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. | 0.5 | 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 Tapps compares by contaminant
Explore where Lake Tapps ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lake Tapps's water comes from
Lake Tapps'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 1,675 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Lake Tapps
Lake Tapps is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Lake Tapps
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TAPPS ISLAND WATER SYSTEM | WA5387181 | 1,500 | GW |
| Fieldstone Memory Care Bainbridge | WA5354200 | 175 | GW |
How Lake Tapps compares
Full Washington rankings →Lake Tapps's score of 74.8/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About Lake Tapps, WA
Wikipedia →Lake Tapps is a reservoir in Pierce County, Washington. It was created in 1911 by Puget Sound Power & Light and operated for hydroelectric power until it ceased power production in 2004. The reservoir was sold to the Cascade Water Alliance, a collective of municipalities in King County, to provide drinking water to 350,000 residents and 20,000 businesses.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lake Tapps's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pierce
Frequently asked questions
Is Lake Tapps, WA tap water safe to drink?
Lake Tapps's water quality earned a grade of B- (74.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #149 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Lake Tapps's water?
Lead was measured at 0.5 ppb (90th percentile). 95 violations are on record.
How is Lake Tapps'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 Tapps?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lake Tapps's water come from?
Lake Tapps's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,675 residents.
What health violations has Lake Tapps's water system had?
Lake Tapps has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 10 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lake Tapps's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lake Tapps 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 95 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 Tapps's water compare to other cities?
Lake Tapps ranks #149 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 49% of state cities) and #9750 out of 15744 cities nationally (38th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.