Is Lummi Island, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 14 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
53.7/100
waterverge.com Lummi Island, WA — Water Quality Report
Lummi Island's drinking water received a grade of D+ (53.7 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 529 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.7 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 112 violations on record, including 32 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lummi Island's water
Lummi Island ranks #205 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.
As a small community water system, Lummi Island may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 18 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lummi Island, WA water safe to drink?
Lummi Island's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (53.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 529 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Lummi Island
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lummi Island's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (53.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3629). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4635). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lummi Island's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Lummi Island's water system has 112 total violations on record, including 32 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved. 18 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Whatcom 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 Nooksack River.
Where does Lummi Island's water come from?
Lummi Island's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 529 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Nooksack River (river).
What Lummi Island residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lummi Island'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.
Lummi Island'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
Flood & disaster history
Whatcom 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.
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. | 0.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lummi Island compares by contaminant
Explore where Lummi Island ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lummi Island's water comes from
Lummi Island'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 private ownership and serves approximately 529 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Lummi Island
Lummi Island is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Lummi Island
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LISECC | WA5343290 | 357 | SW |
| HILLTOP WATER OWNERS ASSOCIATION | WA5333364 | 137 | GW |
| SUNSET WATER & MAINTENANCE ASSOC | WA5306514 | 35 | GW |
How Lummi Island compares
Full Washington rankings →Lummi Island's score of 53.7/100 is on par with the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lummi Island's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Whatcom
Frequently asked questions
Is Lummi Island, WA tap water safe to drink?
Lummi Island's water quality earned a grade of D+ (53.7/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #205 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Lummi Island's water?
Lead was measured at 0.7 ppb (90th percentile). 112 violations are on record.
How is Lummi Island'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 Lummi Island?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lummi Island's water come from?
Lummi Island's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 529 residents.
What health violations has Lummi Island's water system had?
Lummi Island has 32 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 14 violations remain unresolved.
How does Lummi Island's water compare to other cities?
Lummi Island ranks #205 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 30% of state cities) and #12667 out of 15744 cities nationally (20th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.