Is Mt Vernon, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
92.7/100
waterverge.com Mt Vernon, WA — Water Quality Report
Mt Vernon's drinking water received a grade of A (92.7 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,210 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.5 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 12 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Mt Vernon's water
Mt Vernon ranks #22 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it one of the best 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, Mt Vernon may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mt Vernon, WA water safe to drink?
Mt Vernon's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (92.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,210 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Mt Vernon
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mt Vernon's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3629). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4650). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Aldicarb, Carbofuran, Aldicarb sulfoxide.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Mt Vernon's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Mt Vernon's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Skagit County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1990. 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 Skagit River, Samish River.
Where does Mt Vernon's water come from?
Mt Vernon's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,210 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Skagit River (river), Samish River (river).
What Mt Vernon residents can do
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.
Mt Vernon'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
Skagit County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1990. 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. | 1.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mt Vernon compares by contaminant
Explore where Mt Vernon ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mt Vernon's water comes from
Mt Vernon'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 2,210 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Mt Vernon
Mt Vernon 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 Mt Vernon
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anacortes - Fidalgo | WA5300932 | 1,890 | SWP |
| LEIF ERIKSON REC ASSOC | WA5323735 | 320 | GW |
How Mt Vernon compares
Full Washington rankings →Mt Vernon's score of 92.7/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About Mt Vernon, WA
Wikipedia →Mount Vernon is the county seat of and the most populous city in Skagit County, Washington, United States. A central location in the Skagit River Valley, the city is located 51 miles (82 km) south of the Canadian border and 60 miles (97 km) north of Seattle. The population was 35,219 at the 2020 census, making it the 35th most-populous city in Washington, with 62,966 people living in its urban area. It is one of two principal cities of and included in the Mount Vernon-Anacortes Metropolitan Statistical Area, covering most of Skagit County.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mt Vernon's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Skagit
Frequently asked questions
Is Mt Vernon, WA tap water safe to drink?
Mt Vernon's water quality earned a grade of A (92.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #22 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Mt Vernon's water?
Lead was measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.
How is Mt Vernon'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 Mt Vernon?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mt Vernon's water come from?
Mt Vernon's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,210 residents.
How does Mt Vernon's water compare to other cities?
Mt Vernon ranks #22 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 93% of state cities) and #1138 out of 15744 cities nationally (93th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.