Is North Bonneville, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
87.9/100
waterverge.com North Bonneville, WA — Water Quality Report
North Bonneville's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,048 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.1 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 16 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about North Bonneville's water
North Bonneville ranks #65 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
North Bonneville 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, North Bonneville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is North Bonneville, WA water safe to drink?
North Bonneville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,048 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for North Bonneville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into North Bonneville's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.9/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4650). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4309). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for North Bonneville'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
North Bonneville's water system has 16 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Skamania County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1964. 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 Columbia River, Columbia River Below Bonneville Dam, Hamilton Creek, Bull Run River, North Fork Bull Run River.
Where does North Bonneville's water come from?
North Bonneville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,048 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Columbia River (river), Columbia River Below Bonneville Dam (river), Hamilton Creek (river), Bull Run River (river), North Fork Bull Run River (river).
What North Bonneville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in North Bonneville'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.
North Bonneville'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 North Bonneville
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.
- BRADFORD ISLAND1.8 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Skamania County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1964. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in North Bonneville'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. | 3.1 | 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 North Bonneville compares by contaminant
Explore where North Bonneville ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where North Bonneville's water comes from
North Bonneville'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 1,048 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near North Bonneville
North Bonneville is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving North Bonneville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NORTH BONNEVILLE CITY OF | WA5360150 | 1,048 | GW |
How North Bonneville compares
Full Washington rankings →North Bonneville's score of 87.9/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About North Bonneville, WA
Wikipedia →North Bonneville is a city along the Columbia River in Skamania County, Washington, United States. The population was 1,397 at the 2020 census. It lies within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area on the north side of Bonneville Dam complex. The city was originally developed to house the dam's construction workers in the 1930s and later relocated from its original site in the 1970s to accommodate new dam facilities.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to North Bonneville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Skamania
Frequently asked questions
Is North Bonneville, WA tap water safe to drink?
North Bonneville's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #65 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in North Bonneville's water?
Lead was measured at 3.1 ppb (90th percentile). 16 violations are on record.
How is North Bonneville'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 North Bonneville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does North Bonneville's water come from?
North Bonneville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,048 residents.
Is North Bonneville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
North Bonneville 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 16 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 North Bonneville's water compare to other cities?
North Bonneville ranks #65 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 78% of state cities) and #3783 out of 15744 cities nationally (76th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does North Bonneville's small water system affect quality?
North Bonneville's system serves approximately 1,048 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 16 violations on record.