Is Nespelem, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 167 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Nespelem, WA — Water Quality Report
Nespelem's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 7 water systems serve approximately 1,847 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 1984 violations on record, including 40 health-based violations. 167 remain unresolved.
What to know about Nespelem's water
Nespelem ranks #217 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Nespelem 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, Nespelem may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 94 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Nespelem, WA water safe to drink?
Nespelem's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 7 water systems serve approximately 1,847 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Nespelem
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Nespelem's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4650). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Nespelem's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Nespelem's water system has 1,984 total violations on record, including 40 health-based violations. 167 remain unresolved. 94 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
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.
Where does Nespelem's water come from?
Nespelem's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 7 water systems serving approximately 1,847 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Nespelem residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Nespelem'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.
Nespelem'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
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtOkanogan 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.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
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.
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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Nespelem compares by contaminant
Explore where Nespelem ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Nespelem's water comes from
Nespelem'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 1,847 people through 7 water systems.
Water systems serving Nespelem
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NESPELEM WATER DEPT | WA5359000 | 510 | GW |
| NESPELEM AGENCY | 105300007 | 445 | GW |
| OMAK HUD | 105300008 | 380 | GW |
| ROCKY RIVER ROAD COMMUNITY SITE | 105300047 | 260 | GW |
| SEATONS GROVE | 105300115 | 115 | GW |
| MALOTT | 105300033 | 95 | GW |
| TWIN LAKES HUD | 105300010 | 42 | GW |
How Nespelem compares
Full Washington rankings →Nespelem's score of 50/100 is on par with the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About Nespelem, WA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Nespelem's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Okanogan
Frequently asked questions
Is Nespelem, WA tap water safe to drink?
Nespelem's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #217 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Nespelem's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 1984 violations are on record.
How is Nespelem'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 Nespelem?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Nespelem's water come from?
Nespelem's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 7 water systems serving approximately 1,847 residents.
What health violations has Nespelem's water system had?
Nespelem has 40 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 167 violations remain unresolved.
Is Nespelem's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Nespelem 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 1984 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 Nespelem's water compare to other cities?
Nespelem ranks #217 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 26% of state cities) and #13130 out of 15744 cities nationally (17th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.