WaterVerge

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 ↓

1K residents served 1 water system PWSID: WA5395750
Overall Score
88.6 / 100
Violations
7 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#56 of 294 in Washington Top 21% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
88.6/100
waterverge.com
A- 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.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

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.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
88.6 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
41.6/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Point Roberts, WA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

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).

7
Active Violations
1.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Point Roberts

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Point Roberts's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.6/100).

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3629). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4635). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Point Roberts's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

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.

MROtherTTMCL
Most recent violations:
Jan 2023 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jul 2018 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2016 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2014 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2012 Consumer Confidence Rule Open

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.

SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-3629
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-4635
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-4539

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

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Point Roberts's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 7% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

19
Total violations
2
Health-based
7
Active / unresolved
Jan 2023
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

19 Total
7 Active
2 Health-based
12 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
7
Consumer Confidence Rule
5
Surface Water Treatment Rule
4
Lead and Copper Rule
1
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
1
Jan 2023 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2018 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2016 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2014 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2012 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2011 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Nov 2006 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Nov 2006
Jun 1997 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 1997
May 1997 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved May 1997
Apr 1997 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Apr 1997
Aug 1995 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Aug 1995
Sep 1992 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1992
Aug 1992 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 1992
Jul 1992 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jul 1992
Jun 1992 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 1992
Nov 1991 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Nov 1991
Oct 1991 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 1991
Oct 1979 Resolved
Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 1979
Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Dec 2025
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

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.

Dec 2025
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #3629
Jan 2022
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4635
Apr 2020
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4539
Apr 2017
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4309
Jan 2009
SEVERE WINTER STORM, LANDSLIDES, MUDSLIDES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1817
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Coastal Storm FEMA #3227

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 20.0 ppb from 1994 (21.0 ppb) to 2022 (1.0 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Point Roberts compares by contaminant

Explore where Point Roberts ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,440
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Point Roberts's water comes from

Groundwater

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.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Point Roberts

System Name PWSID Population Source
POINT ROBERTS WATER DISTRICT NO 4 WA5395750 1,440 GW
Regional Comparison

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.

Point Roberts (this city)
88.6
Seattle
42.3
Tacoma
32.2
Vancouver
32.9
Spokane
39.2
Kent
44.4
Washington avg
53
City Profile

About Point Roberts, WA

Economic Profile
$74,400
Median Income
$389,278
Median Home Value
$1,043/mo
Median Rent
2.5%
Unemployment
Community
56.9
Median Age
99
People / sq mi
46.8%
College Educated
85.6%
Homeownership
Share this reportHelp others learn about their water quality
WhatsAppXFacebookLinkedInEmail

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.