Is Napavine, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Napavine, WA — Water Quality Report
Napavine's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 27 water systems serve approximately 6,972 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.6 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 2238 violations on record, including 104 health-based violations. 53 remain unresolved.
What to know about Napavine's water
Napavine ranks #243 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Napavine 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.
The system has seen 114 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Napavine, WA water safe to drink?
Napavine's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 27 water systems serve approximately 6,972 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Napavine
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Napavine's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3629). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4650). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Napavine's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Napavine's water system has 2,238 total violations on record, including 104 health-based violations. 53 remain unresolved. 114 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lewis County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1991. 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 Nf Newaukum River Above Bear Creek, Newaukum River, Chehalis River.
Where does Napavine's water come from?
Napavine's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 27 water systems serving approximately 6,972 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Nf Newaukum River Above Bear Creek (river), Newaukum River (river), Chehalis River (river).
What Napavine residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Napavine'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Napavine'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Napavine
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Napavine, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DARIGOLD - CHEHALIS CHEHALIS, WA98532 | — | — | 6.0 mi |
GLACIER NORTHWEST INC CHEHALIS PLANT CHEHALIS, WA98532 | — | — | 4.0 mi |
ALADDIN MANUFACTURING CARPET CUSHION - CHEHALIS WA CHEHALIS, WA98532 | — | — | 3.5 mi |
IMPERIAL GROUP MANUFACTURING CHEHALIS, WA98532 | — | — | 2.9 mi |
NATIONAL FROZEN FOODS CORP-PROCESSING CHEHALIS, WA98532 | — | — | 6.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Napavine
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- HAMILTON LABREE ROADS GW CONTAMINATION2.9 mi
- CENTRALIA MUNICIPAL LANDFILL8.1 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Lewis County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1991. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Napavine's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 4.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Napavine compares by contaminant
Explore where Napavine ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Napavine's water comes from
Napavine'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 6,972 people through 27 water systems.
Water bodies near Napavine
Napavine is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Napavine
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NAPAVINE CITY OF | WA5358200 | 3,095 | GW |
| LEWIS CO WATER DIST #1 | WA5347000 | 1,174 | GW |
| CARROLLS WATER ASSN | WA5311300 | 449 | GW |
| PLEASANT FOREST CAMPING CLUB | WA5305303 | 327 | GW |
| NEWAUKUM VENTURES | WA5326014 | 186 | GW |
| MALONE | WA5350600 | 181 | GW |
| FLYING CARPET MOBILE ESTATES | WA5325722 | 174 | GW |
| WHISPERING WOODS HOME PARK | WA5396095 | 125 | GW |
| TIMBERLANE MOBILE ESTATES | WA5388383 | 120 | GW |
| REDMON MOBILE HOME PARK | WA5371643 | 105 | GW |
| LAKESIDE VILLAGE | WA5345303 | 94 | GW |
| SKOOKUMCHUCK MOBILE MANOR | WA5379835 | 90 | GW |
| LAKE MAYFIELD COMMUNITY CLUB | WA5300914 | 88 | GW |
| MAYFIELD KAMPER KLUB | WA5352112 | 87 | GW |
| HARMONY PARK LOT OWNERS | WA5331362 | 81 | GW |
| PATTERSON LAKE WATER | WA5366573 | 79 | GW |
| TIMBERLANE MOBILE HOME PARK | WA5388381 | 63 | GW |
| TOWNSHIP PLACE | WA5301379 | 56 | GW |
| PRAIRIE VILLAGE LLC | WA53AB072 | 55 | GW |
| GUNDERSON WATER WORKS | WA5330235 | 53 | GW |
| RIVER OAKS RV PARK & CAMPGROUND | WA5313644 | 50 | GW |
| WINSTON CREEK RV PARK | WA5358780 | 50 | GW |
| COLUMBIA CREST ESTATES | WA5307200 | 48 | GW |
| SILVERBROOK MH & RV | WA5379190 | 42 | GW |
| SKATE CREEK TERRACE ASSOCIATION | WA5379650 | 39 | GW |
| GRAND MOUND MOTEL | WA5307989 | 36 | GW |
| WINLOCK WATERS 2 | WA5307925 | 25 | GW |
How Napavine compares
Full Washington rankings →Napavine's score of 46/100 is below the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About Napavine, WA
Wikipedia →Napavine is a city in Lewis County, Washington, United States. The population was 1,888 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Napavine's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lewis
Frequently asked questions
Is Napavine, WA tap water safe to drink?
Napavine's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #243 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Napavine's water?
Lead was measured at 4.6 ppb (90th percentile). 2238 violations are on record.
How is Napavine'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 Napavine?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Napavine's water come from?
Napavine's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 27 water systems serving approximately 6,972 residents.
What health violations has Napavine's water system had?
Napavine has 104 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 53 violations remain unresolved.
Is Napavine's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Napavine 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 2238 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 Napavine's water compare to other cities?
Napavine ranks #243 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 17% of state cities) and #13942 out of 15744 cities nationally (11th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.