WaterVerge

Is Suquamish, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B+, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

653 residents served 3 water systems PWSID: 105300031
Overall Score
80.8 / 100
Violations
7 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#132 of 294 in Washington Top 49% nationally
Native American
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
80.8/100
waterverge.com
B+ 80.8/100

Suquamish, WA — Water Quality Report

Suquamish's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 653 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.

The system has 128 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Suquamish's water

Suquamish ranks #132 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

Suquamish 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.

While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.

As a small community water system, Suquamish may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
80.8 out of 100 Grade B+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
32.8/45
C
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
18/20
A
Lead at 6.0 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 Suquamish, WA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Suquamish's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 653 residents using groundwater (wells).

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

Recent water quality updates for Suquamish

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Suquamish's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.8/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Chlorine.

Violation
3 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Combined Uranium, Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U, Combined Radium (-226 and -228).

Violation
3 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3227). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HEAVY RAINS, SNOW MELT, FLOODING, LAND & MUD SLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1172). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

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

Lead Elevated
Detected: 6.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.

Violation history

Suquamish's water system has 128 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MROtherMCL
Most recent violations:
Sep 2024 Chlorine Resolved
Jan 2023 Combined Uranium Resolved
Jan 2023 Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U Resolved
Jan 2023 Combined Radium (-226 and -228) Resolved
Oct 2021 Lead and Copper Rule Open

Flood & environmental risk

Kitsap County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1974. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.

HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Coastal Storm FEMA DR-3227
HEAVY RAINS, SNOW MELT, FLOODING, LAND & MUD SLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-1172
HIGH WINDS, SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-1100

Where does Suquamish's water come from?

Suquamish's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 653 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.

What Suquamish residents can do

Install a water filter

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

Flush your taps

Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.

Monitor alerts during storms

Suquamish'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
6.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 40% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

128
Total violations
4
Health-based
7
Active / unresolved
Sep 2024
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

128 Total
7 Active
4 Health-based
121 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
40
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
39
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
13
Inorganic Chemicals
13
Consumer Confidence Rule
6
Oct 2021 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2021 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2021 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2006 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2006 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Sep 2024 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2024
Jan 2023 Resolved
Combined Uranium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2025
Jan 2023 Resolved
Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2025
Jan 2023 Resolved
Combined Radium (-226 and -228)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2025
Jan 2014 Resolved
Arsenic
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2016
Dec 2008 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2008
Dec 2008 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2008
Oct 2008 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2008
Oct 2008 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2008
Jan 2008 Resolved
OXAMYL
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Jan 2008 Resolved
Glyphosate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Jan 2008 Resolved
Diquat
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Jan 2008 Resolved
ETHYLENE DIBROMIDE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Showing 20 of 128 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Suquamish

Industrial polluters nearby

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

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
NAVAL BASE KITSAP BANGOR - RANGE ACTIVITIES
Other · US DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
SILVERDALE, WA983151087
5.4 mi
POULSBO READY MIX PLANT
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · TAIHEIYO CEMENT USA INC
POULSBO, WA98370
1.3 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

Superfund sites within 10 miles of Suquamish

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.

Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

7
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Kitsap County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1974. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Coastal Storm FEMA #3227
Apr 1997
HEAVY RAINS, SNOW MELT, FLOODING, LAND & MUD SLIDES
Flood FEMA #1172
Feb 1996
HIGH WINDS, SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1100
Mar 1991
SEVERE STORMS & HIGH TIDES
Flood FEMA #896
Nov 1990
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #883
Dec 1979
STORMS, HIGH TIDES, MUDSLIDES & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #612

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Suquamish's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🚰
For Lead
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53-Certified Pitcher
Lead detected at 6.0 ppb
Read our guide →

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 6.0 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 increased by 4.0 ppb from 2009 (0.0 ppb) to 2024 (4.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Native American
Population Served
653
Water Systems
3
Source breakdown
Purchased Groundwater
2
Groundwater
1
Water Source

Where Suquamish's water comes from

Groundwater

Suquamish'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 native american ownership and serves approximately 653 people through 3 water systems.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Suquamish

System Name PWSID Population Source
SACKMAN 105300031 500 GW
INDIANOLA 105300085 78 GWP
WEE WUN 105338109 75 GWP
Regional Comparison

How Suquamish compares

Full Washington rankings →

Suquamish's score of 80.8/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Suquamish (this city)
80.8
Seattle
42.3
Tacoma
32.2
Vancouver
32.9
Spokane
39.2
Kent
44.4
Washington avg
53
City Profile

About Suquamish, WA

Economic Profile
$80,216
Median Income
$368,076
Median Home Value
$1,329/mo
Median Rent
5.8%
Unemployment
Community
46.1
Median Age
245
People / sq mi
33.1%
College Educated
77.5%
Homeownership
Share this reportHelp others learn about their water quality
WhatsAppXFacebookLinkedInEmail

Frequently asked questions

Is Suquamish, WA tap water safe to drink?

Suquamish's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #132 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.

What contaminants are in Suquamish's water?

Lead was measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile). 128 violations are on record.

How is Suquamish'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 Suquamish?

While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Suquamish's water come from?

Suquamish's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 653 residents.

What health violations has Suquamish's water system had?

Suquamish has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.

Is Suquamish's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Suquamish 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 128 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 Suquamish's water compare to other cities?

Suquamish ranks #132 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 55% of state cities) and #7730 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.