WaterVerge

Is Mukilteo, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

25K residents served 2 water systems PWSID: WA5357550
Overall Score
86.9 / 100
Violations
5 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#79 of 294 in Washington Top 28% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
86.9/100
waterverge.com
A- 86.9/100

Mukilteo, WA — Water Quality Report

Mukilteo's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 25,280 residents using purchased surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. PFAS testing under UCMR 5 found no detectable forever chemicals.

The system has 5 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Mukilteo's water

Mukilteo ranks #79 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it mid-range 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.

Haloacetic acid (HAA5) levels were elevated at 35.8 µg/L in UCMR 4 testing, though below the 60 µg/L EPA limit. Activated carbon filtration can help reduce these disinfection byproducts.

Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.35 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
86.9 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
44.1/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
19/20
A
Lead at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
19.8/20
A
No PFAS compounds detected.
Compliance
0/10
F
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Mukilteo, WA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Mukilteo's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 25,280 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

5
Active Violations
2.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
None
PFAS Detected
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Mukilteo

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mukilteo's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.9/100).

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3629). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4539). 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: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Key contaminant findings

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

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

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Mukilteo's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.

Other
Most recent violations:
Jul 2016 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2015 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2014 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2013 Consumer Confidence Rule Open

Flood & environmental risk

Snohomish 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 Mission Creek, East Fork Tulalip Creek, Tulalip Creek.

SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-3629
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-4539
SEVERE WINTER STORM, LANDSLIDES, MUDSLIDES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-1817

Where does Mukilteo's water come from?

Mukilteo's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 25,280 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Mission Creek (river), East Fork Tulalip Creek (river), Tulalip Creek (river).

What Mukilteo residents can do

Install a water filter

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

Mukilteo'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
HAA5 (Disinfection Byproducts)
Disinfection Byproduct
Safe
35.8 µg/L
EPA MCL: 60 µg/L · 60% of limit
Within LimitUCMR 4 DataHAA6Br: 1.9 µg/LHAA9: 37.7 µg/L
Chromium-6 (Hexavalent Chromium)
Inorganic
Detected
0.35 µg/L
CA MCL (no federal MCL): 10 µg/L · 3% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Strontium
Inorganic
Detected
16.7 µg/L
EPA Health Ref Level: 1,500 µg/L · 1% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Manganese
Inorganic
Detected
4.2 µg/L
EPA Secondary MCL: 50 µg/L · 8% of limit
DetectedUCMR 4 Data
Vanadium
Inorganic
Detected
0.28 µg/L
EPA Short-term HA: 21 µg/L · 1% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Chlorate
Disinfection Byproduct
Detected
77.6 µg/L
EPA Lifetime HA: 210 µg/L · 37% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
PFAS Testing

Forever chemicals overview

National PFAS report →
30
Compounds tested
0
Detected
0
Exceed EPA MCL
Compliance Record

Violation summary

5
Total violations
0
Health-based
5
Active / unresolved
Jul 2016
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

5 Total
5 Active
0 Health-based
0 Resolved
Jul 2016 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2015 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2014 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2013 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Mukilteo

Industrial polluters nearby

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

Total reported releases to surface water: 13 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
BOEING COMMERCIAL AIRPLANES - EVERETT
Transportation Equipment · THE BOEING CO
EVERETT, WA98204
Copper131.5 mi
ROMAC INDUSTRIES INC
Fabricated Metals · ROMAC INDUSTRIES INC
BOTHELL, WA98021
8.9 mi
CEPHEID - BOTHELL
Chemicals · DANAHER CORP
BOTHELL, WA98021
9.0 mi
TR INTERNATIONAL TRADING CO DBA CATALYNT SOLUTIONS
Chemical Wholesalers · NA
EDMONDS, WA98020
8.9 mi
ELDEC AEROSPACE CORP
Computers and Electronic Products · CRANE CO
LYNNWOOD, WA98037
5.1 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Dec 2025
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Snohomish 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.

Dec 2025
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #3629
Apr 2020
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4539
Jan 2009
SEVERE WINTER STORM, LANDSLIDES, MUDSLIDES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1817
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Coastal Storm FEMA #3227
Apr 1997
HEAVY RAINS, SNOW MELT, FLOODING, LAND & MUD SLIDES
Flood FEMA #1172
Feb 1996
HIGH WINDS, SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1100

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 2.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
11Cl-PF3OUdS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
4:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
6:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
8:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
9Cl-PF3ONS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
ADONA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
HFPO-DA ND 0.01 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
lithium ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NEtFOSAA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NFDHA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NMeFOSAA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFBA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFBS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFDA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFDoA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFEESA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHpA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHpS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHxA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHxS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFMBA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFMPA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFNA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFOA ND 0.004 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFOS ND 0.004 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFPeA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFPeS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFTA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFTrDA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFUnA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 1.5 ppb from 1997 (3.5 ppb) to 2002 (2.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
25,280
Water Systems
2
Source breakdown
Purchased Surface Water
1
Groundwater
1
Water Source

Where Mukilteo's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

Mukilteo'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 25,280 people through 2 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Mukilteo

Mukilteo is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

Mission Creek
river
East Fork Tulalip Creek
river
Tulalip Creek
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Mukilteo

System Name PWSID Population Source
Mukilteo Water & Wastewater Distr WA5357550 25,182 SWP
TYEE BEACH 2 WATER ASSOCIATION WA5335671 98 GW
Regional Comparison

How Mukilteo compares

Full Washington rankings →

Mukilteo's score of 86.9/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Mukilteo (this city)
86.9
Seattle
42.3
Tacoma
32.2
Vancouver
32.9
Spokane
39.2
Kent
44.4
Washington avg
53
City Profile

About Mukilteo, WA

Wikipedia →

Mukilteo is a city in Snohomish County, Washington, United States. It is located on Puget Sound between Edmonds and Everett, approximately 25 miles (40 km) north of Seattle. The city had a population of 21,538 at the 2020 census and an estimated 2024 population of 21,299.

Economic Profile
$123,036
Median Income
$761,191
Median Home Value
$1,999/mo
Median Rent
2.5%
Unemployment
Community
43.6
Median Age
1,320
People / sq mi
54.1%
College Educated
69.8%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Mukilteo, WA tap water safe to drink?

Mukilteo's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #79 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.

What contaminants are in Mukilteo's water?

Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). No PFAS compounds were detected. 5 violations are on record.

How is Mukilteo'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 Mukilteo?

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

Where does Mukilteo's water come from?

Mukilteo's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 25,280 residents.

How does Mukilteo's water compare to other cities?

Mukilteo ranks #79 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 73% of state cities) and #4370 out of 15744 cities nationally (72th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.