Is Roy, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
84.2/100
waterverge.com Roy, WA — Water Quality Report
Roy's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,214 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 7 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Roy's water
Roy ranks #108 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Roy 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, Roy may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Roy, WA water safe to drink?
Roy's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,214 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Roy
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Roy's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.2/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3629). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Roy's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Roy's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Pierce County has experienced 10 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 Centralia Power Canal, Nisqually River, North Fork Clover Creek, Clover Creek.
Where does Roy's water come from?
Roy's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,214 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Centralia Power Canal (stream), Nisqually River (river), North Fork Clover Creek (river), Clover Creek (river).
What Roy residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Roy'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.
Roy'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 Roy
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Roy, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BASALITE DUPONT, WA98327 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
AQUATIC CO YELM, WA98597 | — | — | 4.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Roy
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- FORT LEWIS LOGISTICS CENTER8.6 mi
- AMERICAN LAKE GARDENS MCCHORD AFB9.4 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Pierce County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Roy'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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.400 mg/L (1996)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Roy compares by contaminant
Explore where Roy ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Roy's water comes from
Roy'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 1,214 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Roy
Roy is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Roy
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROY CITY OF | WA5345027 | 1,214 | GW |
How Roy compares
Full Washington rankings →Roy's score of 84.2/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About Roy, WA
Wikipedia →Roy is a city in Pierce County, Washington, United States. The population was 816 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Roy's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pierce
Frequently asked questions
Is Roy, WA tap water safe to drink?
Roy's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #108 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Roy's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is Roy'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 Roy?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Roy's water come from?
Roy's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,214 residents.
Is Roy's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Roy 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 7 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 Roy's water compare to other cities?
Roy ranks #108 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 63% of state cities) and #6058 out of 15744 cities nationally (62th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Roy's small water system affect quality?
Roy's system serves approximately 1,214 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 7 violations on record.