Is Rock Island, 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 ↓
86.6/100
waterverge.com Rock Island, WA — Water Quality Report
Rock Island's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,523 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 80 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Rock Island's water
Rock Island ranks #82 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Rock Island 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Rock Island, WA water safe to drink?
Rock Island's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,523 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Rock Island
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rock Island's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.6/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3227). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-822). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Rock Island's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Rock Island's water system has 80 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Douglas County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Rock Island Dam Pp North, Rock Island Pp Tw Unit 1.
Where does Rock Island's water come from?
Rock Island's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,523 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Rock Island Dam Pp North (lake), Rock Island Pp Tw Unit 1 (river).
What Rock Island residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Rock Island'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.
Rock Island'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Rock Island
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Rock Island, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1,426 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TREE TOP INC WENATCHEE PLANT WENATCHEE, WA98801 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 1,426 | 9.2 mi |
WENATCHEE SAND & GRAVEL WENATCHEE, WA98801 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtDouglas County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Douglas County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 Rock Island compares by contaminant
Explore where Rock Island ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rock Island's water comes from
Rock Island'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 3,523 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Rock Island
Rock Island is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Rock Island
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rock Island Water Dept City of | WA5373401 | 3,226 | GW |
| CRO FARMS INC | WA5314174 | 297 | GW |
How Rock Island compares
Full Washington rankings →Rock Island's score of 86.6/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About Rock Island, WA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Rock Island's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Douglas
Frequently asked questions
Is Rock Island, WA tap water safe to drink?
Rock Island's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #82 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Rock Island's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 80 violations are on record.
How is Rock Island'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 Rock Island?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Rock Island's water come from?
Rock Island's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,523 residents.
What health violations has Rock Island's water system had?
Rock Island has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Rock Island's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Rock Island 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 80 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 Rock Island's water compare to other cities?
Rock Island ranks #82 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 72% of state cities) and #4590 out of 15744 cities nationally (71th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.