Is Packwood, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.7/100
waterverge.com Packwood, WA — Water Quality Report
Packwood's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,425 residents using groundwater.
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 83 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Packwood's water
Packwood ranks #81 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Packwood 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, Packwood may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Packwood, WA water safe to drink?
Packwood's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (86.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,425 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Packwood
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Packwood's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3629). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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 Packwood's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Packwood's water system has 83 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 4 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 Cowlitz River.
Where does Packwood's water come from?
Packwood's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,425 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Cowlitz River (river).
What Packwood residents can do
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.
Packwood'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
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.
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 |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Packwood compares by contaminant
Explore where Packwood ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Packwood's water comes from
Packwood'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,425 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Packwood
Packwood is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Packwood
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HIGH VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB | WA5332700 | 1,425 | GW |
How Packwood compares
Full Washington rankings →Packwood's score of 86.7/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About Packwood, WA
Wikipedia →Packwood is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) located in easternmost Lewis County, Washington, in the United States. As of the 2020 census, the CDP had a population of 319, while the town and surrounding Packwood community had a total population of 1,073.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Packwood's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lewis
Frequently asked questions
Is Packwood, WA tap water safe to drink?
Packwood's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #81 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Packwood's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 83 violations are on record.
How is Packwood'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 Packwood?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Packwood's water come from?
Packwood's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,425 residents.
What health violations has Packwood's water system had?
Packwood has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Packwood's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Packwood 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 83 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 Packwood's water compare to other cities?
Packwood ranks #81 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 72% of state cities) and #4532 out of 15744 cities nationally (71th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Packwood's small water system affect quality?
Packwood's system serves approximately 1,425 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 83 violations on record.