Is Wilkeson, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91/100
waterverge.com Wilkeson, WA — Water Quality Report
Wilkeson's drinking water received a grade of A (91 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,071 residents using groundwater.
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 20 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Wilkeson's water
Wilkeson ranks #30 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Wilkeson 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, Wilkeson may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wilkeson, WA water safe to drink?
Wilkeson's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (91/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,071 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Wilkeson
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wilkeson's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3629). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1817). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Wilkeson's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Wilkeson's water system has 20 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
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 Carbon River, South Prairie Creek, Mud Mountain Lake, White River, White River Flume.
Where does Wilkeson's water come from?
Wilkeson's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,071 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Carbon River (river), South Prairie Creek (river), Mud Mountain Lake (lake), White River (river), White River Flume (river).
What Wilkeson residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wilkeson'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.
Wilkeson'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 Wilkeson
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Wilkeson, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PARKER HANNIFIN HELAC CYLINDER DIV ENUMCLAW, WA98022 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
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.
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 |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Wilkeson compares by contaminant
Explore where Wilkeson ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wilkeson's water comes from
Wilkeson'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 1,071 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Wilkeson
Wilkeson is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Wilkeson
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WILKESON WATER DEPARTMENT | WA5396950 | 1,071 | GW |
How Wilkeson compares
Full Washington rankings →Wilkeson's score of 91/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About Wilkeson, WA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wilkeson's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pierce
Frequently asked questions
Is Wilkeson, WA tap water safe to drink?
Wilkeson's water quality earned a grade of A (91/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #30 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Wilkeson's water?
Lead was measured at 1.2 ppb (90th percentile). 20 violations are on record.
How is Wilkeson'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 Wilkeson?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Wilkeson's water come from?
Wilkeson's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,071 residents.
Is Wilkeson's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Wilkeson 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 20 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 Wilkeson's water compare to other cities?
Wilkeson ranks #30 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 90% of state cities) and #1949 out of 15744 cities nationally (88th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Wilkeson's small water system affect quality?
Wilkeson's system serves approximately 1,071 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 20 violations on record.