Is Port Gamble, 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 ↓
87.5/100
waterverge.com Port Gamble, WA — Water Quality Report
Port Gamble's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,509 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 88 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Port Gamble's water
Port Gamble ranks #68 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Port Gamble 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, Port Gamble may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Port Gamble, WA water safe to drink?
Port Gamble's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,509 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Port Gamble
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Port Gamble's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.5/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Port Gamble's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Port Gamble's water system has 88 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Port Gamble's water come from?
Port Gamble's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,509 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Nooseneck River (river), Hunt R 250 Ft Ds Fry Brk (river), Chipuxet River (river), Queen R (river), Usquepaug River (river).
What Port Gamble residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Port Gamble'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
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 Port Gamble compares by contaminant
Explore where Port Gamble ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Port Gamble's water comes from
Port Gamble'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 native american ownership and serves approximately 1,509 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Port Gamble
Port Gamble is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Port Gamble
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PORT GAMBLE SKLALLAM | 105300015 | 1,509 | GW |
How Port Gamble compares
Full Washington rankings →Port Gamble's score of 87.5/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About Port Gamble, WA
Wikipedia →Kingston is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Kitsap County, Washington, United States. The population was 2,515 at the 2020 census. Kingston is along the shores of Appletree Cove and Puget Sound, and is home to a major Washington State Ferry terminal linking it to Edmonds.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Port Gamble's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Port Gamble, WA tap water safe to drink?
Port Gamble's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #68 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Port Gamble's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 88 violations are on record.
How is Port Gamble'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 Port Gamble?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Port Gamble's water come from?
Port Gamble's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,509 residents.
What health violations has Port Gamble's water system had?
Port Gamble has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Port Gamble's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Port Gamble 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 88 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 Port Gamble's water compare to other cities?
Port Gamble ranks #68 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 77% of state cities) and #4025 out of 15744 cities nationally (74th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Port Gamble's small water system affect quality?
Port Gamble's system serves approximately 1,509 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 88 violations on record.