Is Leavenworth, 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 ↓
63.6/100
waterverge.com Leavenworth, WA — Water Quality Report
Leavenworth's drinking water received a grade of C (63.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 10,855 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.9 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 128 violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Leavenworth's water
Leavenworth ranks #185 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
The system has seen 21 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Leavenworth, WA water safe to drink?
Leavenworth's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (63.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 10,855 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Leavenworth
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Leavenworth's water quality assessment. Grade: C (63.6/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3629). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4650). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Leavenworth'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
Leavenworth's water system has 128 total violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 21 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Chelan County has experienced 6 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 Icicle Creek Above Snow Creek, Wenatchee River.
Where does Leavenworth's water come from?
Leavenworth's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 10,855 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Icicle Creek Above Snow Creek (river), Wenatchee River (river).
What Leavenworth residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Leavenworth'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.
Leavenworth'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
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtChelan 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
Chelan County has experienced 6 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 Leavenworth'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. | 2.9 | 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. | 3.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Leavenworth compares by contaminant
Explore where Leavenworth ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Leavenworth's water comes from
Leavenworth's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 10,855 people through 5 water systems.
Water bodies near Leavenworth
Leavenworth is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Leavenworth
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEAVENWORTH CITY OF | WA5346500 | 9,218 | SW |
| PONDEROSA COMMUNITY CLUB INC | WA5368417 | 1,170 | GW |
| CHIWAWA COMMUNITIES ASSN | WA5312850 | 352 | GW |
| Lake Wenatchee Water District | WA53AC567 | 86 | GW |
| PLAIN FLATS WATER SYSTEM | WA5339592 | 29 | GW |
How Leavenworth compares
Full Washington rankings →Leavenworth's score of 63.6/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About Leavenworth, WA
Wikipedia →Leavenworth is a city in Chelan County, Washington, United States. The population was 2,263 at the 2020 census. The entire town center is modeled on a Bavarian village as part of a civic initiative that began in the 1960s. Leavenworth is part of the Wenatchee–East Wenatchee metropolitan area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Leavenworth's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Chelan
Frequently asked questions
Is Leavenworth, WA tap water safe to drink?
Leavenworth's water quality earned a grade of C (63.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #185 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Leavenworth's water?
Lead was measured at 2.9 ppb (90th percentile). 128 violations are on record.
How is Leavenworth'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 Leavenworth?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Leavenworth's water come from?
Leavenworth's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 10,855 residents.
What health violations has Leavenworth's water system had?
Leavenworth has 20 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. 9 violations remain unresolved.
How does Leavenworth's water compare to other cities?
Leavenworth ranks #185 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 37% of state cities) and #11732 out of 15744 cities nationally (26th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.