Is Sedro Woolley, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
94/100
waterverge.com Sedro Woolley, WA — Water Quality Report
Sedro Woolley's drinking water received a grade of A (94 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,780 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.6 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 15 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sedro Woolley's water
Sedro Woolley ranks #7 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Sedro Woolley 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, Sedro Woolley may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sedro Woolley, WA water safe to drink?
Sedro Woolley's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (94/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,780 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sedro Woolley
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sedro Woolley's water quality assessment. Grade: A (94/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3629). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4650). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sedro Woolley's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sedro Woolley's water system has 15 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Skagit County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1990. 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 Skagit River, Samish River.
Where does Sedro Woolley's water come from?
Sedro Woolley's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,780 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Skagit River (river), Samish River (river).
What Sedro Woolley residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sedro Woolley'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.
Sedro Woolley'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
Skagit County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1990. 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. | 2.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sedro Woolley compares by contaminant
Explore where Sedro Woolley ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sedro Woolley's water comes from
Sedro Woolley'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 1,780 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Sedro Woolley
Sedro Woolley is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Sedro Woolley
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GLENHAVEN LAKES CLUB | WA5328050 | 1,780 | GW |
How Sedro Woolley compares
Full Washington rankings →Sedro Woolley's score of 94/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About Sedro Woolley, WA
Wikipedia →Sedro-Woolley is a city in Skagit County, Washington, United States. It is part of the Mount Vernon–Anacortes, Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area and had a population of 12,421 at the 2020 census. The city is home to the administrative offices of North Cascades National Park, which lies east of Sedro-Woolley on State Route 20.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sedro Woolley's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Whatcom
Frequently asked questions
Is Sedro Woolley, WA tap water safe to drink?
Sedro Woolley's water quality earned a grade of A (94/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #7 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Sedro Woolley's water?
Lead was measured at 2.6 ppb (90th percentile). 15 violations are on record.
How is Sedro Woolley'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 Sedro Woolley?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sedro Woolley's water come from?
Sedro Woolley's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,780 residents.
What health violations has Sedro Woolley's water system had?
Sedro Woolley has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2015. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Sedro Woolley's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sedro Woolley 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 15 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 Sedro Woolley's water compare to other cities?
Sedro Woolley ranks #7 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 98% of state cities) and #656 out of 15744 cities nationally (96th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Sedro Woolley's small water system affect quality?
Sedro Woolley's system serves approximately 1,780 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 15 violations on record.