WaterVerge

Is Malott, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A-, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

636 residents served 1 water system PWSID: WA5308246
Overall Score
87.4 / 100
Violations
6 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#71 of 294 in Washington Top 26% nationally
Private
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
87.4/100
waterverge.com
A- 87.4/100

Malott, WA — Water Quality Report

Malott's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 636 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 14 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Malott's water

Malott ranks #71 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it above average in the state.

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

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
87.4 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
42.4/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
3/10
F
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Malott, WA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Malott's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 636 residents using groundwater (wells).

6
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
4 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Malott

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Malott's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.4/100).

Disaster
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, SNOWSTORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODIN

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4650). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3227). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Malott's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Malott's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.

OtherMRMCL
Most recent violations:
Jul 2021 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2016 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jan 2016 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jul 2015 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2014 Consumer Confidence Rule Open

Flood & environmental risk

Okanogan County has experienced 4 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 Salmon Creek Above Diversion, Okanogan River, Loup Loup Creek, Okanogan River Nr Wakefield Br South Of Malott.

SEVERE WINTER STORMS, SNOWSTORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODIN
Flood FEMA DR-4650
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Coastal Storm FEMA DR-3227
HEAVY RAINS, FLOODING & MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-822

Where does Malott's water come from?

Malott's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 636 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Salmon Creek Above Diversion (river), Okanogan River (river), Loup Loup Creek (river), Okanogan River Nr Wakefield Br South Of Malott (river).

What Malott residents can do

Install a water filter

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

Malott'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
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

14
Total violations
3
Health-based
6
Active / unresolved
Jul 2021
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

14 Total
6 Active
3 Health-based
8 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
5
Consumer Confidence Rule
4
Lead and Copper Rule
2
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
1
Nitrate Rule
1
Jul 2021 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2016 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 2016 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2015 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2014 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2005 Resolved
Diquat
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2007
Jan 2003 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2003
Nov 2000 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Nov 2000
Jan 2000 Resolved
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jan 2001
Nov 1999 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Nov 1999
Jul 1997 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jul 1997
Jun 1997 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 1997
Aug 1996 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Aug 1996
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D1 — moderate drought

Okanogan 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.

27.9%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)

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

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

4
Declared disasters
Mar 2022
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Okanogan County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Mar 2022
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, SNOWSTORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODIN
Flood FEMA #4650
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Coastal Storm FEMA #3227
Apr 1989
HEAVY RAINS, FLOODING & MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #822
Jun 1972
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #334

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 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 2.6 ppb from 1997 (2.6 ppb) to 2025 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Private
Population Served
636
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Malott's water comes from

Groundwater

Malott'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 636 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Malott

Malott is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Salmon Creek Above Diversion
river
Okanogan River
river
Loup Loup Creek
river
Okanogan River Nr Wakefield Br South Of Malott
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Malott

System Name PWSID Population Source
JAW FARMS INC WA5308246 636 GW
Regional Comparison

How Malott compares

Full Washington rankings →

Malott's score of 87.4/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Malott (this city)
87.4
Seattle
42.3
Tacoma
32.2
Vancouver
32.9
Spokane
39.2
Kent
44.4
Washington avg
53
City Profile

About Malott, WA

Wikipedia →

Malott is a census-designated place (CDP) in Okanogan County, Washington, United States, within the Greater Omak Area. The population was 487 at the 2010 census.

Economic Profile
$47,650
Median Income
0%
Unemployment
Community
39.6
Median Age
194
People / sq mi
9.1%
College Educated
80%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Malott, WA tap water safe to drink?

Malott's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #71 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.

What contaminants are in Malott's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.

How is Malott'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 Malott?

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

Where does Malott's water come from?

Malott's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 636 residents.

What health violations has Malott's water system had?

Malott has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.

Is Malott's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Malott 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 14 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 Malott's water compare to other cities?

Malott ranks #71 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 76% of state cities) and #4104 out of 15744 cities nationally (74th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Malott's small water system affect quality?

Malott's system serves approximately 636 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 14 violations on record.