Is South Cle Elum, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
87.4/100
waterverge.com South Cle Elum, WA — Water Quality Report
South Cle Elum's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 541 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 52 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about South Cle Elum's water
South Cle Elum ranks #72 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it above 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.
As a small community water system, South Cle Elum may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is South Cle Elum, WA water safe to drink?
South Cle Elum's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (87.4/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 541 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for South Cle Elum
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into South Cle Elum's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.4/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3629). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Picloram, Dinoseb, Endrin.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1817). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, 1,2-Dichloropropane, 1,1,1-Trichloroethane.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for South Cle Elum'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
South Cle Elum's water system has 52 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Kittitas County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1964. 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 Cle Elum's water come from?
South Cle Elum's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 541 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What South Cle Elum residents can do
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.
South Cle Elum'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
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtKittitas 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
Kittitas County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1964. 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 Cle Elum'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 1.73 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.730 mg/L (2015)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how South Cle Elum compares by contaminant
Explore where South Cle Elum ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where South Cle Elum's water comes from
South Cle Elum'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 541 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving South Cle Elum
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOUTH CLE ELUM WATER DEPT | WA5381600 | 541 | SWP |
How South Cle Elum compares
Full Washington rankings →South Cle Elum's score of 87.4/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About South Cle Elum, WA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to South Cle Elum's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Kittitas
Frequently asked questions
Is South Cle Elum, WA tap water safe to drink?
South Cle Elum's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #72 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in South Cle Elum's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 52 violations are on record.
How is South Cle Elum'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 Cle Elum?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does South Cle Elum's water come from?
South Cle Elum's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 541 residents.
How does South Cle Elum's water compare to other cities?
South Cle Elum ranks #72 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 76% of state cities) and #4110 out of 15744 cities nationally (74th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does South Cle Elum's small water system affect quality?
South Cle Elum's system serves approximately 541 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 52 violations on record.