Is Wellpinit, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 183 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Wellpinit, WA — Water Quality Report
Wellpinit's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 1,895 residents using groundwater.
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 1861 violations on record, including 103 health-based violations. 183 remain unresolved.
What to know about Wellpinit's water
Wellpinit ranks #216 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Wellpinit 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, Wellpinit may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 97 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wellpinit, WA water safe to drink?
Wellpinit's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 1,895 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Wellpinit
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wellpinit's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Combined Uranium, Combined Radium (-226 and -228), Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3227). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Wellpinit's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Wellpinit's water system has 1,861 total violations on record, including 103 health-based violations. 183 remain unresolved. 97 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Stevens County has experienced 4 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. Local water sources include Chamokane Creek Below Falls.
Where does Wellpinit's water come from?
Wellpinit's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 6 water systems serving approximately 1,895 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Chamokane Creek Below Falls (river).
What Wellpinit residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wellpinit'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.
Wellpinit'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
Flood & disaster history
Stevens County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Wellpinit compares by contaminant
Explore where Wellpinit ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wellpinit's water comes from
Wellpinit'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 1,895 people through 6 water systems.
Water bodies near Wellpinit
Wellpinit is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Wellpinit
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WELLPINIT | 105300022 | 525 | GW |
| TWO RIVERS RESORT | 105300123 | 480 | GW |
| MCCOY LAKE | 105300021 | 325 | GW |
| MARTHA BOARDMAN | 105311103 | 295 | GW |
| FORD-NEWHOUSE LANE | 105338100 | 160 | GW |
| RESERVATION ROAD | 105300058 | 110 | GW |
How Wellpinit compares
Full Washington rankings →Wellpinit's score of 50/100 is on par with the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About Wellpinit, WA
Wikipedia →Wellpinit is an unincorporated community in Stevens County, Washington, United States. Wellpinit has a post office with ZIP code 99040. It is the setting of the young adult novel, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie. The population of the ZIP Code Tabulation Area for 99040 was 930 at the 2000 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wellpinit's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Wellpinit, WA tap water safe to drink?
Wellpinit's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #216 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Wellpinit's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 1861 violations are on record.
How is Wellpinit'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 Wellpinit?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Wellpinit's water come from?
Wellpinit's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 6 water systems serving approximately 1,895 residents.
What health violations has Wellpinit's water system had?
Wellpinit has 103 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 183 violations remain unresolved.
Is Wellpinit's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Wellpinit 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 1861 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 Wellpinit's water compare to other cities?
Wellpinit ranks #216 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 27% of state cities) and #13127 out of 15744 cities nationally (17th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.