Is Newport, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 23 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Newport, WA — Water Quality Report
Newport's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 8 water systems serve approximately 5,562 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.2 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 395 violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved.
What to know about Newport's water
Newport ranks #214 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Newport 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 130 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Newport, WA water safe to drink?
Newport'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 8 water systems serve approximately 5,562 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Newport
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Newport's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4309). 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 Newport's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Newport's water system has 395 total violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved. 130 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Pend Oreille County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Priest River Near Priest River, Pend Oreille River.
Where does Newport's water come from?
Newport's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 8 water systems serving approximately 5,562 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Priest River Near Priest River (river), Pend Oreille River (river).
What Newport residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Newport'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.
Newport'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 Newport
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Newport, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
STIMSON LUMBER CO PRIEST RIVER OPS PRIEST RIVER, ID83856 | Lead compounds | 0 | 6.7 mi |
SAFRAN CABIN MATERIALS LLC NEWPORT, WA99156 | — | — | 0.8 mi |
CITYSERVICEVALCON LLC OLDTOWN BULK FACILITY OLDTOWN, ID83822 | — | — | 4.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtPend Oreille 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
Pend Oreille County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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. | 2.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Newport compares by contaminant
Explore where Newport ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Newport's water comes from
Newport'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 5,562 people through 8 water systems.
Water bodies near Newport
Newport is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Newport
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEWPORT CITY OF | WA5359350 | 3,258 | GW |
| DIAMOND LAKE WATER & SEWER DISTRICT | WA5319207 | 1,299 | GW |
| METALINE FALLS TOWN OF | WA5354250 | 593 | SW |
| RIVER BEND WATER SYSTEM | WA5372752 | 140 | SW |
| SANDY SHORE & SUNNYSIDE MEADOWS | WA5376145 | 83 | GW |
| GOOSEHAVEN | WA5327496 | 75 | GW |
| RIVER VIEW SHORES WATER SYSTEM | WA5372807 | 58 | GW |
| SUNVALE ACRES 4TH ADD WATER SYSTEM | WA5386294 | 56 | GW |
How Newport compares
Full Washington rankings →Newport'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 Newport, WA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Newport's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pend Oreille
Frequently asked questions
Is Newport, WA tap water safe to drink?
Newport's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #214 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Newport's water?
Lead was measured at 2.2 ppb (90th percentile). 395 violations are on record.
How is Newport'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 Newport?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Newport's water come from?
Newport's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 8 water systems serving approximately 5,562 residents.
What health violations has Newport's water system had?
Newport has 14 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 23 violations remain unresolved.
Is Newport's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Newport 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 395 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 Newport's water compare to other cities?
Newport ranks #214 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 27% of state cities) and #13066 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.