WaterVerge

Is Snoqualmie, 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 ↓

2K residents served 4 water systems PWSID: WA5372750
Overall Score
86 / 100
Violations
7 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#90 of 294 in Washington Top 32% nationally
Private
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
86/100
waterverge.com
A- 86/100

Snoqualmie, WA — Water Quality Report

Snoqualmie's drinking water received a grade of A- (86 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 2,173 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 85 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Snoqualmie's water

Snoqualmie ranks #90 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

Snoqualmie 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, Snoqualmie may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
86 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
36/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Snoqualmie, WA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Snoqualmie's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 2,173 residents using groundwater (wells).

7
Active Violations
1.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Snoqualmie

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Snoqualmie's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86/100).

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3629). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Nitrate.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4539). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Snoqualmie's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Snoqualmie's water system has 85 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MONOtherMRMCL
Most recent violations:
May 2025 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Jul 2023 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jan 2022 Nitrate Resolved
Jan 2020 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jul 2017 Consumer Confidence Rule Open

Flood & environmental risk

King 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 Chester Morse Lake, Cedar Lake (Masonry Pool), Canyon Creek, Cedar River, Taylor Creek.

SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-3629
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-4539
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-4309

Where does Snoqualmie's water come from?

Snoqualmie's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 2,173 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Chester Morse Lake (lake), Cedar Lake (Masonry Pool) (lake), Canyon Creek (river), Cedar River (river), Taylor Creek (river).

What Snoqualmie residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Snoqualmie's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Snoqualmie'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 7% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

85
Total violations
10
Health-based
7
Active / unresolved
May 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

85 Total
7 Active
10 Health-based
78 Resolved
Violations by category
Inorganic Chemicals
34
Volatile Organic Chemicals
20
Total Coliform Rule
14
Lead and Copper Rule
5
Nitrate Rule
3
Jul 2023 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 2020 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2017 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 2013 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2000 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
May 2025 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved May 2025
Jan 2022 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2022
Jan 2008 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jan 2008
Dec 2007 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2007
Nov 2006 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Nov 2006
Jan 2005 Resolved
1,2-Dichloropropane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2007
Jan 2005 Resolved
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2007
Jan 2005 Resolved
cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2007
Jan 2005 Resolved
o-Dichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2007
Jan 2005 Resolved
p-Dichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2007
Jan 2005 Resolved
Vinyl chloride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2007
Jan 2005 Resolved
1,1-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2007
Jan 2005 Resolved
trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2007
Showing 20 of 85 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Snoqualmie

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Snoqualmie, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
DARIGOLD - ISSAQUAH
Food · NORTHWEST DAIRY ASSOC
ISSAQUAH, WA98027
7.8 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Dec 2025
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

King 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.

Dec 2025
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #3629
Apr 2020
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4539
Apr 2017
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4309
Jan 2009
SEVERE WINTER STORM, LANDSLIDES, MUDSLIDES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1817
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Coastal Storm FEMA #3227
Apr 1997
HEAVY RAINS, SNOW MELT, FLOODING, LAND & MUD SLIDES
Flood FEMA #1172

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 5.0 ppb from 1994 (6.0 ppb) to 2024 (1.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Private
Population Served
2,173
Water Systems
4
Water Source

Where Snoqualmie's water comes from

Groundwater

Snoqualmie'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 2,173 people through 4 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Snoqualmie

Snoqualmie is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Chester Morse Lake
lake
Cedar Lake (Masonry Pool)
lake
Canyon Creek
river
Cedar River
river
Taylor Creek
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Snoqualmie

System Name PWSID Population Source
RIVER BEND HOA WA5372750 1,603 GW
ECHO GLEN CHILDRENS CENTER WA5322330 430 GW
RUMBOLZ SUNSET WATER SYSTEM WA5314446 106 GW
TOKUL CREEK COMMUNITY WA5388625 34 GW
Regional Comparison

How Snoqualmie compares

Full Washington rankings →

Snoqualmie's score of 86/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Snoqualmie (this city)
86
Seattle
42.3
Tacoma
32.2
Vancouver
32.9
Spokane
39.2
Kent
44.4
Washington avg
53
City Profile

About Snoqualmie, WA

Wikipedia →

Snoqualmie is a city next to Snoqualmie Falls in King County, Washington, United States. It is 28 miles (45 km) east of Seattle. Snoqualmie is home to the Northwest Railway Museum. The population was 14,121 at the 2020 census.

Economic Profile
$186,353
Median Income
$844,151
Median Home Value
$3,000/mo
Median Rent
2.7%
Unemployment
Community
38.6
Median Age
740
People / sq mi
68.1%
College Educated
85%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Snoqualmie, WA tap water safe to drink?

Snoqualmie's water quality earned a grade of A- (86/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #90 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.

What contaminants are in Snoqualmie's water?

Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 85 violations are on record.

How is Snoqualmie'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 Snoqualmie?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Snoqualmie's water come from?

Snoqualmie's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 2,173 residents.

What health violations has Snoqualmie's water system had?

Snoqualmie has 10 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.

Is Snoqualmie's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Snoqualmie 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 85 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 Snoqualmie's water compare to other cities?

Snoqualmie ranks #90 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 69% of state cities) and #4989 out of 15744 cities nationally (68th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.