WaterVerge
Alerts Cities States PFAS Tracker Guides News Maps Glossary Methodology

Is Tacoma, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded F — but Copper, PFOS and 2 more were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓

628K residents served 130 water systems PWSID: WA5386800
Overall Score
32.2 / 100
Violations
271 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Surface water
#294 of 294 in Washington Top 99% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
FGRADE
Water Quality Grade
32.2/100
waterverge.com
F 32.2/100

Tacoma, WA — Water Quality Report

Tacoma's drinking water received a grade of F (32.2 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 130 water systems serve approximately 628,246 residents using surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 3.2 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. UCMR 5 testing detected 10 PFAS compounds, with levels exceeding EPA maximum contaminant levels in the water supply.

The system has 2772 violations on record, including 232 health-based violations. 271 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Step 1 See the 12 contaminants we flagged Measured levels for Lead and Copper vs. EPA limits. Step 2 Best filter for pfas Reverse Osmosis or Activated Carbon Block — our tested picks for removing pfas. Step 3 How Tacoma compares Tacoma scores below nearby cities (avg 54/100).
Analysis

What to know about Tacoma's water

Tacoma ranks #294 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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.

Of particular concern: PFAS "forever chemical" levels exceed the 2024 EPA maximum contaminant levels. These synthetic compounds don't break down naturally and require specialized filtration such as reverse osmosis or granular activated carbon.

Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.49 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.

As a major metropolitan system serving over 628K residents, Tacoma faces large-scale infrastructure challenges including aging pipes and the complexity of treating water across a vast distribution network.

The system has seen 38 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
32.2 out of 100 Grade F
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
0/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
14/20
C
Lead at 3.2 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
6.2/20
F
10 PFAS compounds detected.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Surface water.
Water Safety

Is Tacoma, WA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Tacoma's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (32.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 130 water systems serve approximately 628,246 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

271
Active Violations
3.2 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 compounds
PFAS Detected
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Tacoma

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

PFAS
10 PFAS "forever chemical" compounds detected

PFAS levels exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels. Reverse osmosis or activated carbon filtration recommended.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Tacoma's water quality assessment. Grade: F (32.2/100).

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3629). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Key contaminant findings

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

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 3.2 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 2.30 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.

PFAS (10 compounds) Exceeds Limit
Detected: Highest: PFOS at 0.1536 µg/L Limit: 0.004 µg/L (EPA MCL)

PFAS "forever chemicals" exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels. Reverse osmosis or granular activated carbon filtration strongly recommended.

PFAS "forever chemicals" detected

UCMR 5 testing found 10 PFAS compounds in Tacoma's water supply. PFAS are synthetic chemicals that persist indefinitely in the environment and the human body.

Compound Level EPA MCL Status
PFOS 0.1536 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Over MCL
PFPeA 0.1100 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Within Limit
PFHxS 0.0558 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Within Limit
PFHxA 0.0480 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Within Limit

Violation history

Tacoma's water system has 2,772 total violations on record, including 232 health-based violations. 271 remain unresolved. 38 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MONMROtherMCLTT
Most recent violations:
Oct 2025 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Sep 2025 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Aug 2025 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Jul 2025 trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene Resolved
Jul 2025 1,2-Dichloroethane Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Pierce 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. Local water sources include North Fork Clover Creek, Clover Creek, Flett Creek, Leach Creek, Leach.

SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-3629
SEVERE WINTER STORM, LANDSLIDES, MUDSLIDES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-1817
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Coastal Storm FEMA DR-3227

Where does Tacoma's water come from?

Tacoma's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 130 water systems serving approximately 628,246 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include North Fork Clover Creek (river), Clover Creek (river), Flett Creek (river), Leach Creek (river), Leach (river).

What Tacoma residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: Reverse osmosis system. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Tacoma'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

Tacoma'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
3.2 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 21% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
2.30 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +20% over limit
Exceeds Limit
PFOS
PFAS / Forever Chemical
Over MCL
0.1536 µg/L
EPA MCL: 0.004 µg/L · +20% over limit
Exceeds MCL
HAA5 (Disinfection Byproducts)
Disinfection Byproduct
Safe
4.2 µg/L
EPA MCL: 60 µg/L · 7% of limit
Within LimitUCMR 4 DataHAA6Br: 0.8 µg/LHAA9: 4.8 µg/L
Chromium-6 (Hexavalent Chromium)
Inorganic
Detected
0.49 µg/L
CA MCL (no federal MCL): 10 µg/L · 5% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Strontium
Inorganic
Detected
120.0 µg/L
EPA Health Ref Level: 1,500 µg/L · 8% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
1,4-Dioxane
Organic
Detected
0.07 µg/L
EPA Health Advisory: 0.35 µg/L · 21% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Manganese
Inorganic
Over SMCL
101.6 µg/L
EPA Secondary MCL: 50 µg/L · +20% over limit
Over SMCLUCMR 4 Data
Perchlorate
Inorganic
Detected
4.00 µg/L
CA MCL (no federal MCL): 6 µg/L · 67% of limit
DetectedUCMR 1 Data (2001–2005)
Vanadium
Inorganic
Detected
6.60 µg/L
EPA Short-term HA: 21 µg/L · 31% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Chlorate
Disinfection Byproduct
Over HA
310.0 µg/L
EPA Lifetime HA: 210 µg/L · +20% over limit
Over Health AdvisoryUCMR 3 Data
Molybdenum
Inorganic
Detected
2.60 µg/L
EPA Lifetime HA: 40 µg/L · 7% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
PFAS Testing

Forever chemicals overview

National PFAS report →
30
Compounds tested
10
Detected
2
Exceed EPA MCL
39.98
Hazard Index
PFOS max: 0.1536 µg/L PFOA max: 0.0063 µg/L
Compliance Record

Violation summary

2772
Total violations
232
Health-based
271
Active / unresolved
Oct 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

2772 Total
271 Active
232 Health-based
2501 Resolved
4 SNC
Violations by category
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
968
Volatile Organic Chemicals
520
Total Coliform Rule
422
Inorganic Chemicals
315
Consumer Confidence Rule
217
Jul 2024 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Showing 20 of 2772 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Tacoma

Industrial polluters nearby

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

Total reported releases to surface water: 54,267 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
WESTROCK TACOMA MILL
Paper · WESTROCK CO
TACOMA, WA98421
Methanol52,8241.7 mi
PABCO ROOFING PRODUCTS
Petroleum · PACIFIC COAST BUILDING PRODUCTS INC
TACOMA, WA98421
Copper compounds1,1512.6 mi
US OIL & REFINING CO
Petroleum · PAR PACIFIC HOLDINGS INC
TACOMA, WA98421
Ammonia2863.2 mi
STELLA-JONES CORP
Wood Products · STELLA-JONES US HOLDING CORP
TACOMA, WA98421
Copper And Copper Compounds32.3 mi
EMERALD SERVICES INC
Hazardous Waste · CLEAN HARBORS INC
TACOMA, WA98421
Ethylene glycol33.4 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

Superfund sites within 10 miles of Tacoma

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

10
Declared disasters
Dec 2025
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Pierce 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.

Dec 2025
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #3629
Jan 2009
SEVERE WINTER STORM, LANDSLIDES, MUDSLIDES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1817
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Coastal Storm FEMA #3227
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
Filter Recommendations

Recommended water filters

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

🧪
For PFAS
Reverse Osmosis or Activated Carbon Block
PFAS compounds exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels
🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L
All Tested Contaminants

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 3.2 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 2.30 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
11Cl-PF3OUdS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
4:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
6:2 FTS 0.009 HI µg/L PFAS Detected
8:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
9Cl-PF3ONS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
ADONA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
HFPO-DA ND 0.01 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
lithium ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NEtFOSAA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NFDHA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NMeFOSAA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFBA 0.014 HI µg/L PFAS Detected
PFBS 0.035 HI µg/L PFAS Detected
PFDA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFDoA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFEESA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHpA 0.006 HI µg/L PFAS Detected
PFHpS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHxA 0.048 HI µg/L PFAS Detected
PFHxS 0.056 HI µg/L PFAS Detected
PFMBA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFMPA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFNA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFOA 0.006 0.004 µg/L PFAS Over MCL
PFOS 0.154 0.004 µg/L PFAS Over MCL
PFPeA 0.110 HI µg/L PFAS Detected
PFPeS 0.020 HI µg/L PFAS Detected
PFTA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFTrDA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFUnA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.
Lead Level History

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
↘ Lead has decreased by 17.0 ppb from 1992 (17.0 ppb) to 2025 (0.0 ppb).
Copper Level History

Copper level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
↗ Copper has increased by 0.680 mg/L from 1992 (1.570 mg/L) to 2022 (2.250 mg/L).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Tacoma compares by contaminant

Explore where Tacoma ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.

Pb
Lead in Washington
Cities ranked by 90th percentile lead level (ppb)
→
PF
PFAS in Washington
Cities ranked by PFAS compounds detected
→
Cu
Copper in Washington
Cities ranked by 90th percentile copper level (mg/L)
→
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
628,246
Water Systems
130
Source breakdown
Groundwater
125
Surface Water
2
Purchased Surface Water
2
Purchased Groundwater
1
Water Source

Where Tacoma's water comes from

Surface Water

Tacoma'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 628,246 people through 130 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Tacoma

Tacoma is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

North Fork Clover Creek
river
Clover Creek
river
Flett Creek
river
Leach Creek
river
Leach
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Tacoma

System Name PWSID Population Source
TACOMA WATER DIVISION CITY OF WA5386800 448,771 SW
SOUTHWOOD WA5382844 64,155 SWP
PARKLAND LIGHT & WATER COMPANY WA5366200 29,595 GW
SUMMIT WATER & SUPPLY CO WA5385050 16,109 GW
PEACOCK HILL WA5366637 7,401 GW
ARTONDALE WA5303160 5,828 GW
POINT EVANS WA5368065 5,211 GW
MINTERBROOK WA5354740 5,083 GW
PARKVIEW TERRACE WA5366215 3,730 GW
HORIZONS WEST WA5334375 3,454 GW
STROHS WATER COMPANY INC WA5384670 3,192 GW
CEDAR CREST WA5311887 2,954 GW
OLYMPIC MALL WA5363479 2,681 GW
MIRRORMONT WA5355250 2,083 GW
PALMER LAKE WA5365745 1,924 GW
LAKE MINTERWOOD WA5355210 1,539 GW
EVERGREEN SHORES WA5324163 1,329 GW
QUISTORFF WA5370550 1,113 GW
SUNSHINE ACRES WA5386250 1,074 GW
HOLIDAY RANCHETTES WA5333677 1,050 GW
ROSARIO WA5374270 1,031 SW
LAKE LAWRENCE WA5322572 914 GW
ROSEDALE EAST WA5309490 798 GW
LACAMAS FARMSTEADS WA5302117 615 GW
WICKS LAKE RANCHES WA5396728 615 GW
RAFT ISLAND WA5370760 575 GW
FOXHALL WA5310991 549 GW
BETHEL GREEN ACRES WATER ASSN WA5305980 522 GW
ROLLING FIRS EVERGREEN TERRACE WA5373975 514 GW
S & I WA5375154 482 GW
CLASSIC HEIGHTS WA5363381 480 GW
ROSEDALE HEIGHTS TRAILER PARK WA5374371 444 GW
HENDERSON BOULEVARD WA5308359 418 GW
ALLYN SHOPPING CENTER WA5301695 414 GW
BUCKLIN WA5366936 402 GW
ALPINE HILLS WA5301826 363 GW
BLACK LAKE ESTATES WA5326071 329 GW
ANDREWS FIRST WA5317241 299 GW
SHORECREST WA5378618 289 GW
RIVER PARK WA5372776 277 GW
ORCAS HIGHLANDS WA5313301 260 SWP
Cole WA5335363 257 GW
OLALLA WA5363215 239 GW
KOPACHUCK WA5343065 236 GW
NELSON RIDGE WA5306081 232 GW
CAMELOT AND WESTERN SKIES WA5310808 228 GW
CRISTALINA WA5303014 225 GW
JACKSON LAKE SOUTH WA5357214 225 GW
STRATTONWOOD WA5384618 220 GW
NISQUALLY PARK WA5359588 218 GW
SHAWS COVE WA5377960 217 GW
PINE LAKE MOBILE HOME EST 1 3 WA5367397 207 GW
LEE WA5346658 193 GW
HARBOR HEIGHTS WA5331001 188 GW
RANCH WA5335354 183 GW
PARKSHORE ESTATES WA5366146 183 GW
HINTZVILLE ACRES WA5310440 170 GW
CEDAR GROVE WA5311914 156 GW
DRIFTWOOD VALLEY ASSOC (DVA) WA5320003 151 GW
JOHANSON WA5336782 148 GW
ISRAEL PLACE SAN ANGELO PARK WA5336274 146 GW
GLENWOOD STATION WA5300561 144 GW
LITTLE TREE WA5302236 143 GW
LAKE TUCK WA5344965 143 GW
MAINLAND VIEW MANOR WA5347248 143 GW
HOLLY TIDES WA5333695 140 GW
MINTER CREEK RAPIDS WA5355175 137 GW
FOREST PARK WA5307167 127 GW
REGENCY PARK WA5371727 123 GW
CEDARWOOD SOUTH UNION ESTATES WA5300253 119 GW
CASCADE HIGHLANDS NORTH WA5355631 119 GW
FOSS ROAD WA5363918 119 GW
MADRONA POINT WA5350075 111 GW
ROYALWOOD WA5374743 111 GW
RANCH ACRE WA5328551 109 GW
HOMESTEAD ACRES WA5333969 109 GW
CUYAMACA VILLAGE WA5317100 106 GW
MAY VOLT HILLS WA5317690 106 GW
CLEAR CREEK ESTATES WA5347431 101 GW
BAR B ESTATE MANOR WA5322751 96 GW
ROSEDALE COMMUNITY CLUB WA5374364 96 GW
RIVERVIEW WA5372975 95 GW
ASPINWALL ESTATES WA5301463 93 GW
CEDARBROOK WA5314001 93 GW
CASCADE HIGHLANDS WA5345061 93 GW
CRESCENT VALLEY #333 WA5337654 91 GW
RONDELAY MEADOWS WA5374130 90 GW
GOLDEN MEADOW WA53AA608 90 GW
GLENWOOD FARMS 1 EAST WA5336241 87 GW
CREEKSIDE MEADOWS DIVISION II WA5304863 85 GW
LIBBY ROAD EAST WA5347124 85 GW
PURDY ACRES EAST WA5370000 85 GW
SILVER SPRINGS ESTATES WA5379275 80 GW
SPRUCE ROAD WA5383424 80 GW
FOUR CORNERS WA5315296 77 GW
LOOKOUT POINT WA5300045 72 GW
SOUTHCREEK #1 WA5325707 69 GW
PACIFIC VENTURES WA5329921 69 GW
BELWOOD PARK WA5305640 66 GW
SIVO ACRES WA5323911 66 GW
LITTLE LAKE MOBILE HOME PARK WA5347535 65 GW
RYANWOOD WA5319601 64 GW
CURRIES LANDING WA5303463 61 GW
GREENWOOD ESTATES WA5329810 61 GW
HENDERSON BAY WA5377147 61 GW
SKOOKUM RANCH WA5308586 60 GW
PHELPS ROAD WA5363210 58 GW
WINDDRIFT WELL WA5301023 53 GW
EAGLE ESTATES WA5302348 53 GW
KAREN PLACE WA5302860 53 GW
DELTA LONG LK ACRE TRACTS WA5310340 53 GW
CRESCENT PARK WA5315999 53 GW
RAINWOOD WA5314730 48 GW
GLENWOOD FARMS 2 WEST WA5336233 48 GW
MUCK CREEK HILL WA5350225 46 GW
INLETS END WA5306705 45 GW
WALTER WALKER WATER WORKS WA5320276 42 GWP
SEHMEL ROAD WA5320481 42 GW
SUMMERHILL WA5384898 42 GW
LONG LAKE VIEW EST 1 WA5348030 39 GW
GREENBRIAR WA5329345 37 GW
CRYSTAL SPRINGS WA5330049 37 GW
SCHMID WA5376658 37 GW
VERDAN ANDERSON HILL WA5391470 37 GW
BROOKDALE OWNERS ASSOCIATION WA5329629 35 GW
WALDEN WATER WA5343887 34 GW
RED CEDAR ESTATES WA5371610 34 GW
ROCKY BAY WA5373620 34 GW
BROOKHAVEN WA5308760 32 GW
CLARK & OWENS WATER SYSTEM WA5315864 26 GW
Regional Comparison

How Tacoma compares

Full Washington rankings →

Tacoma's score of 32.2/100 is below the average of 54/100 among major Washington cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.

Tacoma (this city)
32.2
Seattle
42.3
Vancouver
32.9
Spokane
39.2
Kent
44.4
Bellevue
91.6
Washington avg
54
Regional Comparison

Nearby cities

View Washington rankings →
Seattle
Washington
F
Score: 42.3 · 1889 violations · 1.2M residents
View report →
Vancouver
Washington
F
Score: 32.9 · 1604 violations · 496K residents
View report →
Spokane
Washington
F
Score: 39.2 · 2463 violations · 427K residents
View report →
Kent
Washington
F
Score: 44.4 · 244 violations · 360K residents
View report →
Bellevue
Washington
A
Score: 91.6 · 9 violations · 317K residents
View report →
Everett
Washington
D
Score: 45.4 · 229 violations · 282K residents
View report →
Lynnwood
Washington
B-
Score: 74.8 · 14 violations · 268K residents
View report →
Renton
Washington
D+
Score: 54.1 · 207 violations · 193K residents
View report →
Redmond
Washington
B-
Score: 73.3 · 177 violations · 175K residents
View report →
Yakima
Washington
F
Score: 40.4 · 4018 violations · 174K residents
View report →
City Profile

About Tacoma, WA

Wikipedia →

Tacoma is a city in and the county seat of Pierce County, Washington, United States. A port city, it is situated along the Puget Sound roughly 30 miles (48 km) from Seattle and Olympia, and 58 miles (93 km) northwest of Mount Rainier National Park. Tacoma is the second-largest city in the Puget Sound area and the third-most populous city in the state with a population of 219,346 at the 2020 census. Tacoma is the economic and cultural center of the South Sound region, which has a population of about 1 million.

Economic Profile
$79,085
Median Income
$415,378
Median Home Value
$1,489/mo
Median Rent
5.4%
Unemployment
Community
36.9
Median Age
1,703
People / sq mi
32.8%
College Educated
56.8%
Homeownership

Learn more about your water

Guides and resources related to Tacoma's water quality findings.

Copper Contaminant Profile
EPA action levels, health effects, and copper removal options.
Read more →
PFAS Contaminant Profile
Detailed profile on PFAS contamination in US water systems.
Read more →
PFAS Forever Chemicals Explained
Learn what PFAS are, how they get into water, and what filtration removes them.
Read more →
County Data

Explore water quality across Pierce

Pierce Water Quality Rankings
Compare all cities in the county — grades, violations, and contaminant data side by side.
→
Share this reportHelp others learn about their water quality
WhatsAppXFacebookLinkedInEmail
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Tacoma, WA tap water safe to drink?

Tacoma's water quality earned a grade of F (32.2/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #294 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.

What contaminants are in Tacoma's water?

Lead was measured at 3.2 ppb (90th percentile). 10 PFAS compounds were detected. 2772 violations are on record.

How is Tacoma'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 Tacoma?

PFAS compounds exceed EPA limits — a reverse osmosis or activated carbon filter is recommended.

Where does Tacoma's water come from?

Tacoma's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 130 water systems serving approximately 628,246 residents.

What health violations has Tacoma's water system had?

Tacoma has 232 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 271 violations remain unresolved.

Why does Tacoma have so many PFAS compounds in its water?

10 different PFAS "forever chemical" compounds were detected in Tacoma's water supply during UCMR 5 testing. PFAS contamination often originates from proximity to military installations (AFFF firefighting foam), airports, industrial manufacturing sites, or wastewater treatment facilities. Some levels exceed the 2024 EPA maximum contaminant levels — a reverse osmosis or NSF-certified activated carbon filter is strongly recommended.

How does Tacoma's water compare to other cities?

Tacoma ranks #294 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 0% of state cities) and #15628 out of 15744 cities nationally (1th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.