Is Pe Ell, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
70.7/100
waterverge.com Pe Ell, WA — Water Quality Report
Pe Ell's drinking water received a grade of B- (70.7 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 859 residents using surface water.
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 161 violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pe Ell's water
Pe Ell ranks #163 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it below average 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, Pe Ell may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 12 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pe Ell, WA water safe to drink?
Pe Ell's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (70.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 859 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Pe Ell
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pe Ell's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (70.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3629). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment 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 Pe Ell'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
Pe Ell's water system has 161 total violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 12 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 Chehalis River, Elk Creek Below Deer Creek.
Where does Pe Ell's water come from?
Pe Ell's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 859 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Chehalis River (river), Elk Creek Below Deer Creek (river).
What Pe Ell residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pe Ell'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.
Pe Ell'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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Pe Ell'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 1.49 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.490 mg/L (1995)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Pe Ell compares by contaminant
Explore where Pe Ell ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pe Ell's water comes from
Pe Ell'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 859 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Pe Ell
Pe Ell is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Pe Ell
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE ELL TOWN OF | WA5366750 | 859 | SW |
How Pe Ell compares
Full Washington rankings →Pe Ell's score of 70.7/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About Pe Ell, WA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pe Ell's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lewis
Frequently asked questions
Is Pe Ell, WA tap water safe to drink?
Pe Ell's water quality earned a grade of B- (70.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #163 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Pe Ell's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 161 violations are on record.
How is Pe Ell'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 Pe Ell?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pe Ell's water come from?
Pe Ell's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 859 residents.
What health violations has Pe Ell's water system had?
Pe Ell has 16 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
How does Pe Ell's water compare to other cities?
Pe Ell ranks #163 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 45% of state cities) and #10698 out of 15744 cities nationally (32th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Pe Ell's small water system affect quality?
Pe Ell's system serves approximately 859 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 161 violations on record.