Is Pomeroy, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82.4/100
waterverge.com Pomeroy, WA — Water Quality Report
Pomeroy's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,441 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 7.4 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 105 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pomeroy's water
Pomeroy ranks #124 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Pomeroy 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Pomeroy may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pomeroy, WA water safe to drink?
Pomeroy's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,441 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Pomeroy
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pomeroy's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.4/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Picloram, Dinoseb, 2,4,5-TP.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4539). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1817). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Pomeroy's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Pomeroy's water system has 105 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 6 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Garfield County has experienced 7 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.
Where does Pomeroy's water come from?
Pomeroy's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,441 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Pomeroy residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pomeroy'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.
Pomeroy'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
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtGarfield County is currently in D2 (severe drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Garfield County has experienced 7 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 Pomeroy'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. | 7.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Pomeroy compares by contaminant
Explore where Pomeroy ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pomeroy's water comes from
Pomeroy'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 1,441 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Pomeroy
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| POMEROY CITY OF | WA5368400 | 1,395 | GW |
| USACE ILLIA RESIDENTIAL AREA | WA5348704 | 46 | GW |
How Pomeroy compares
Full Washington rankings →Pomeroy's score of 82.4/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About Pomeroy, WA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pomeroy's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Garfield
Frequently asked questions
Is Pomeroy, WA tap water safe to drink?
Pomeroy's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #124 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Pomeroy's water?
Lead was measured at 7.4 ppb (90th percentile). 105 violations are on record.
How is Pomeroy'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 Pomeroy?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pomeroy's water come from?
Pomeroy's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,441 residents.
What health violations has Pomeroy's water system had?
Pomeroy has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Pomeroy's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Pomeroy 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 105 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 Pomeroy's water compare to other cities?
Pomeroy ranks #124 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 58% of state cities) and #6994 out of 15744 cities nationally (56th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.