Is Neah Bay, 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 ↓
47/100
waterverge.com Neah Bay, WA — Water Quality Report
Neah Bay's drinking water received a grade of D (47 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,300 residents using surface water.
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 763 violations on record, including 22 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved.
What to know about Neah Bay's water
Neah Bay ranks #235 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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, Neah Bay may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 115 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Neah Bay, WA water safe to drink?
Neah Bay's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (47/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,300 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Neah Bay
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Neah Bay's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3629). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), CARBON, TOTAL.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, CARBON, TOTAL.
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 Neah Bay'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
Neah Bay's water system has 763 total violations on record, including 22 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved. 115 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Clallam 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 Tsoo-Yess River.
Where does Neah Bay's water come from?
Neah Bay's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,300 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Tsoo-Yess River (river).
What Neah Bay residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Neah Bay'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.
Neah Bay'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
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Neah Bay
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.
- MAKAH RESERVATION WARMHOUSE BEACH DUMP2.8 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Clallam 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Neah Bay'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. | 2.0 | 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. | 1.83 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.834 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Neah Bay compares by contaminant
Explore where Neah Bay ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Neah Bay's water comes from
Neah Bay'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 native american ownership and serves approximately 1,300 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Neah Bay
Neah Bay is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Neah Bay
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAKAH NEAH BAY | 105300012 | 1,300 | SW |
How Neah Bay compares
Full Washington rankings →Neah Bay's score of 47/100 is below the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About Neah Bay, WA
Wikipedia →Neah Bay is a census-designated place (CDP) on the Makah Reservation in Clallam County, Washington, United States. The population was 935 at the 2020 census. It is across the Canada–US border from British Columbia. Europeans originally called it "Scarborough Harbour" in honor of Captain James Scarborough of the Hudson's Bay Company. It was changed to Neah in 1847 by Captain Henry Kellett. Kellett spelled it "Neeah Bay". The name "Neah" refers to the Makah Chief Dee-ah, pronounced Neah in the Klallam language. During the summer months, Neah Bay is a popular fishing area for sports fishermen. Another attraction is the Makah Museum, which houses artifacts from a Makah village partly buried by a mudslide around 1750. Many people also visit to hike the Cape Trail or camp at Hobuck Beach. An emergency response tug is stationed at Neah Bay which has saved 41 vessels since its introduction in 1999.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Neah Bay's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Neah Bay, WA tap water safe to drink?
Neah Bay's water quality earned a grade of D (47/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #235 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Neah Bay's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 763 violations are on record.
How is Neah Bay'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 Neah Bay?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Neah Bay's water come from?
Neah Bay's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,300 residents.
What health violations has Neah Bay's water system had?
Neah Bay has 22 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 23 violations remain unresolved.
How does Neah Bay's water compare to other cities?
Neah Bay ranks #235 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 20% of state cities) and #13774 out of 15744 cities nationally (13th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Neah Bay's small water system affect quality?
Neah Bay's system serves approximately 1,300 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 763 violations on record.