Is Stevenson, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
69.5/100
waterverge.com Stevenson, WA — Water Quality Report
Stevenson's drinking water received a grade of C+ (69.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 3,184 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.2 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 178 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Stevenson's water
Stevenson ranks #167 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.
As a small community water system, Stevenson may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Stevenson, WA water safe to drink?
Stevenson's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (69.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 3,184 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Stevenson
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Stevenson's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (69.5/100).
Contaminants: Nitrate, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4650). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4309). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Stevenson'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
Stevenson's water system has 178 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 11 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Skamania County has experienced 9 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. Local water sources include Wind River, Columbia River, Columbia River Below Bonneville Dam, Hamilton Creek.
Where does Stevenson's water come from?
Stevenson's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 3,184 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Wind River (river), Columbia River (river), Columbia River Below Bonneville Dam (river), Hamilton Creek (river).
What Stevenson residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Stevenson'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.
Stevenson'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
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Stevenson
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- BRADFORD ISLAND4.1 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Skamania County has experienced 9 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 Stevenson'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. | 1.2 | 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. | 1.35 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Stevenson compares by contaminant
Explore where Stevenson ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Stevenson's water comes from
Stevenson'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 3,184 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Stevenson
Stevenson is located near 4 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Stevenson
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEVENSON WATER DEPT | WA5384250 | 2,594 | SW |
| HOME VALLEY WATER DISTRICT | WA5309188 | 500 | GW |
| MAPLE HILL WATER SERVICES | WA5384300 | 62 | GW |
| JOHNSTON, JAMES W | WA5319001 | 28 | GW |
How Stevenson compares
Full Washington rankings →Stevenson's score of 69.5/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About Stevenson, WA
Wikipedia →Stevenson is a city along the Columbia River in Skamania County, Washington, United States. It is the county seat of Skamania County and part of the Portland metropolitan area. The city also lies within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and is across the river from Cascade Locks, Oregon. The population was 1,491 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Stevenson's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Skamania
Frequently asked questions
Is Stevenson, WA tap water safe to drink?
Stevenson's water quality earned a grade of C+ (69.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #167 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Stevenson's water?
Lead was measured at 1.2 ppb (90th percentile). 178 violations are on record.
How is Stevenson'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 Stevenson?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Stevenson's water come from?
Stevenson's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 3,184 residents.
What health violations has Stevenson's water system had?
Stevenson has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
How does Stevenson's water compare to other cities?
Stevenson ranks #167 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 43% of state cities) and #10911 out of 15744 cities nationally (31th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.