Is Spangle, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 13 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.9/100
waterverge.com Spangle, WA — Water Quality Report
Spangle's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 650 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.5 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 60 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about Spangle's water
Spangle ranks #131 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Spangle 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, Spangle may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Spangle, WA water safe to drink?
Spangle's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 650 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Spangle
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Spangle's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.9/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Atrazine, Heptachlor epoxide, Benzo(a)pyrene.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4309). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3227). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Spangle's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Spangle's water system has 60 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Spokane County has experienced 7 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 Spangle's water come from?
Spangle's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 650 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Spangle residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Spangle'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.
Spangle'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 Spangle
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Spangle, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ADM MILLING CO CHENEY, WA99004 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtSpokane 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
Spokane County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1964. 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. | 0.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Spangle compares by contaminant
Explore where Spangle ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Spangle's water comes from
Spangle'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 650 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Spangle
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPPER COLUMBIA ACADEMY | WA5390685 | 380 | GW |
| SPANGLE TOWN OF | WA5382870 | 270 | GW |
How Spangle compares
Full Washington rankings →Spangle's score of 80.9/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About Spangle, WA
Wikipedia →Spangle is a city in Spokane County, Washington, United States. The population was 280 at the 2020 census. The name comes from William Spangle, an early pioneer.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Spangle's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Spokane
Frequently asked questions
Is Spangle, WA tap water safe to drink?
Spangle's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #131 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Spangle's water?
Lead was measured at 0.5 ppb (90th percentile). 60 violations are on record.
How is Spangle'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 Spangle?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Spangle's water come from?
Spangle's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 650 residents.
What health violations has Spangle's water system had?
Spangle has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 13 violations remain unresolved.
Is Spangle's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Spangle 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 60 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 Spangle's water compare to other cities?
Spangle ranks #131 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 55% of state cities) and #7684 out of 15744 cities nationally (51th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.