Is Port Ludlow, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+ — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
67.9/100
waterverge.com Port Ludlow, WA — Water Quality Report
Port Ludlow's drinking water received a grade of C+ (67.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 4,309 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 17.0 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 65 violations on record, including 27 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Port Ludlow's water
Port Ludlow ranks #171 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Port Ludlow 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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Port Ludlow, WA water safe to drink?
Port Ludlow's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (67.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 4,309 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Port Ludlow
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Port Ludlow's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (67.9/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3629). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Arsenic.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence 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 Port Ludlow's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Port Ludlow's water system has 65 total violations on record, including 27 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Jefferson County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1986. 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 Port Ludlow's water come from?
Port Ludlow's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 4,309 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Port Ludlow residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Port Ludlow'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.
Port Ludlow'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
Jefferson County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1986. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Port Ludlow'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. | 17.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Port Ludlow compares by contaminant
Explore where Port Ludlow ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Port Ludlow's water comes from
Port Ludlow'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 private ownership and serves approximately 4,309 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Port Ludlow
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OLYMPIC WATER & SEWER INC | WA5368700 | 3,086 | GW |
| BRIDGEHAVEN COMMUNITY CLUB | WA5308330 | 623 | GW |
| JEFFERSON COUNTY WATER DIST #1 | WA5336705 | 600 | GW |
How Port Ludlow compares
Full Washington rankings →Port Ludlow's score of 67.9/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About Port Ludlow, WA
Wikipedia →Port Ludlow is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Jefferson County, Washington, United States. It is also the name of the marine inlet on which the community is located. The CDP's population was 2,603 at the 2010 census, up from 1,968 at the 2000 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Port Ludlow's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jefferson
Frequently asked questions
Is Port Ludlow, WA tap water safe to drink?
Port Ludlow's water quality earned a grade of C+ (67.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #171 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Port Ludlow's water?
Lead was measured at 17.0 ppb (90th percentile). 65 violations are on record.
How is Port Ludlow'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 Ludlow?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Port Ludlow's water come from?
Port Ludlow's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 4,309 residents.
What health violations has Port Ludlow's water system had?
Port Ludlow has 27 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Port Ludlow's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Port Ludlow 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 65 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 Ludlow's water compare to other cities?
Port Ludlow ranks #171 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 42% of state cities) and #11158 out of 15744 cities nationally (29th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.