Is South Bend, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+ — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
54.8/100
waterverge.com South Bend, WA — Water Quality Report
South Bend's drinking water received a grade of D+ (54.8 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,930 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 23.0 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 323 violations on record, including 83 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about South Bend's water
South Bend ranks #200 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.26 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
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.
As a small community water system, South Bend may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is South Bend, WA water safe to drink?
South Bend's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of D+ (54.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,930 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for South Bend
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into South Bend's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (54.8/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4650). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4539). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: CHLOROBENZENE, Benzene, Beryllium, Total.
Contaminants: Beryllium, Total, 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene.
Contaminants: Thallium, Total, Selenium, Antimony, Total.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for South Bend's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
South Bend's water system has 323 total violations on record, including 83 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Pacific 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.
Where does South Bend's water come from?
South Bend's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,930 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What South Bend residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in South Bend'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.
South Bend'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
Pacific 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 South Bend'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. | 23.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how South Bend compares by contaminant
Explore where South Bend ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where South Bend's water comes from
South Bend's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,930 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving South Bend
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Bend Water Department | WA5381500 | 2,930 | SW |
How South Bend compares
Full Washington rankings →South Bend's score of 54.8/100 is on par with the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About South Bend, WA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to South Bend's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pacific
Frequently asked questions
Is South Bend, WA tap water safe to drink?
South Bend's water quality earned a grade of D+ (54.8/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #200 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in South Bend's water?
Lead was measured at 23.0 ppb (90th percentile). 323 violations are on record.
How is South Bend'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 South Bend?
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 South Bend's water come from?
South Bend's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,930 residents.
What health violations has South Bend's water system had?
South Bend has 83 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2007. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does South Bend's water compare to other cities?
South Bend ranks #200 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 32% of state cities) and #12579 out of 15744 cities nationally (20th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does South Bend's small water system affect quality?
South Bend's system serves approximately 2,930 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 323 violations on record.