Is Point Roberts, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.6/100
Point Roberts, WA — Water Quality Report
Point Roberts's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,440 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 19 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Point Roberts's water
Point Roberts ranks #56 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Point Roberts 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, Point Roberts may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Point Roberts, WA water safe to drink?
Point Roberts's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,440 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Point Roberts
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Point Roberts's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.6/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3629). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4635). 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 Point Roberts's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Point Roberts's water system has 19 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Whatcom County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1979. 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 Point Roberts's water come from?
Point Roberts's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,440 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Point Roberts residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Point Roberts'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.
Point Roberts'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
Whatcom County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1979. 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Point Roberts compares by contaminant
Explore where Point Roberts ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Point Roberts's water comes from
Point Roberts'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 1,440 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Point Roberts
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| POINT ROBERTS WATER DISTRICT NO 4 | WA5395750 | 1,440 | GW |
How Point Roberts compares
Full Washington rankings →Point Roberts's score of 88.6/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About Point Roberts, WA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Point Roberts's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Whatcom
Frequently asked questions
Is Point Roberts, WA tap water safe to drink?
Point Roberts's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #56 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Point Roberts's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 19 violations are on record.
How is Point Roberts'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 Point Roberts?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Point Roberts's water come from?
Point Roberts's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,440 residents.
What health violations has Point Roberts's water system had?
Point Roberts has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Point Roberts's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Point Roberts 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 19 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 Point Roberts's water compare to other cities?
Point Roberts ranks #56 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 81% of state cities) and #3358 out of 15744 cities nationally (79th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Point Roberts's small water system affect quality?
Point Roberts's system serves approximately 1,440 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 19 violations on record.