WaterVerge

Is Mabton, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

2K residents served 1 water system PWSID: WA5349650
Overall Score
88 / 100
Violations
3 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#62 of 294 in Washington Top 24% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
88/100
waterverge.com
A- 88/100

Mabton, WA — Water Quality Report

Mabton's drinking water received a grade of A- (88 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,150 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 118 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Mabton's water

Mabton ranks #62 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it above average in the state.

Mabton 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, Mabton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
88 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
36/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
10/10
A
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Mabton, WA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Mabton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,150 residents using groundwater (wells).

3
Active Violations
2.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Mabton

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mabton's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88/100).

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

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Disaster
SEVERE WINTER STORM, LANDSLIDES, MUDSLIDES, AND FLOODING

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 Mabton's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 2.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Mabton's water system has 118 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MONMRMCL
Most recent violations:
Dec 2025 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Feb 2022 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Feb 2021 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
May 2020 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Jul 2019 Arsenic Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Yakima County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1964. 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 Yakima River.

SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-3629
SEVERE WINTER STORM, LANDSLIDES, MUDSLIDES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-1817
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Coastal Storm FEMA DR-3227

Where does Mabton's water come from?

Mabton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,150 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Yakima River (river).

What Mabton residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mabton'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

Mabton'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
2.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 13% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

118
Total violations
1
Health-based
3
Active / unresolved
Dec 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

118 Total
3 Active
1 Health-based
115 Resolved
2 SNC
Violations by category
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
55
Volatile Organic Chemicals
20
Inorganic Chemicals
17
Revised Total Coliform Rule
7
Nitrate Rule
6
Jan 2006 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2005 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2004 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Dec 2025 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Dec 2025
Feb 2022 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Feb 2022
Feb 2021 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Feb 2021
May 2020 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved May 2020
Jul 2019 Resolved
Arsenic
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2019
Aug 2018 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Aug 2018
Jul 2018 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Jul 2018
Jun 2018 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Jun 2018
Jan 2018 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2018
Jan 2016 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2016
Jan 2016 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2016
Jan 2016 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2016
Nov 2015 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Nov 2015
Apr 2014 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2014
Jan 2014 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2014
Jul 2010 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jul 2010
Apr 2008 Resolved
1,2-DIBROMO-3-CHLOROPROPANE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2008
Showing 20 of 118 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Mabton

Industrial polluters nearby

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

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
DARIGOLD - SUNNYSIDE
Food · NORTHWEST DAIRY ASSOC
SUNNYSIDE, WA98944
6.3 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D1 — moderate drought

Yakima 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.

27.6%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Dec 2025
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Yakima County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1964. 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
Jan 2009
SEVERE WINTER STORM, LANDSLIDES, MUDSLIDES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1817
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Coastal Storm FEMA #3227
Feb 1996
HIGH WINDS, SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1100
Nov 1990
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #883
Dec 1977
SEVERE STORMS,MUDSLIDES, & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #545

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 2.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 0.0 ppb from 1994 (2.0 ppb) to 2024 (2.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,150
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Mabton's water comes from

Groundwater

Mabton'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 2,150 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Mabton

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

Yakima River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Mabton

System Name PWSID Population Source
MABTON CITY OF WA5349650 2,150 GW
Regional Comparison

How Mabton compares

Full Washington rankings →

Mabton's score of 88/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Mabton (this city)
88
Seattle
42.3
Tacoma
32.2
Vancouver
32.9
Spokane
39.2
Kent
44.4
Washington avg
53
City Profile

About Mabton, WA

Economic Profile
$50,000
Median Income
$135,566
Median Home Value
$883/mo
Median Rent
9.6%
Unemployment
Community
24.3
Median Age
1,060
People / sq mi
2%
College Educated
57.6%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Mabton, WA tap water safe to drink?

Mabton's water quality earned a grade of A- (88/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #62 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.

What contaminants are in Mabton's water?

Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 118 violations are on record.

How is Mabton'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 Mabton?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Mabton's water come from?

Mabton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,150 residents.

What health violations has Mabton's water system had?

Mabton has 1 health-based violation 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. 3 violations remain unresolved.

Is Mabton's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Mabton 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 118 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 Mabton's water compare to other cities?

Mabton ranks #62 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 79% of state cities) and #3710 out of 15744 cities nationally (76th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Mabton's small water system affect quality?

Mabton's system serves approximately 2,150 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 118 violations on record.