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Is Yakima, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

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

174K residents served 88 water systems PWSID: WA5399150
Overall Score
40.4 / 100
Violations
216 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Surface water
#285 of 294 in Washington Top 96% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
FGRADE
Water Quality Grade
40.4/100
waterverge.com
F 40.4/100

Yakima, WA — Water Quality Report

Yakima's drinking water received a grade of F (40.4 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 88 water systems serve approximately 173,902 residents using surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 1.2 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. UCMR 5 testing detected 1 PFAS compound in the water supply.

The system has 4018 violations on record, including 162 health-based violations. 216 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Step 1 See the 11 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 Yakima compares Yakima scores below nearby cities (avg 53/100).
Analysis

What to know about Yakima's water

Yakima ranks #285 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.

PFAS compounds were detected in testing, though levels remain within current EPA limits. Residents seeking extra precaution may consider an activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter.

Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 2.92 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.

The system has seen 156 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
40.4 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
16/20
B
Lead at 1.2 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
12.4/20
C
1 PFAS compound detected.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Surface water.
Water Safety

Is Yakima, WA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Yakima's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (40.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 88 water systems serve approximately 173,902 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

216
Active Violations
1.2 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
1 compound
PFAS Detected
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Yakima

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

PFAS
1 PFAS "forever chemical" compound detected

Detected at levels within current EPA limits. PFAS persist indefinitely in the environment.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Yakima's water quality assessment. Grade: F (40.4/100).

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
15 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Endrin, BHC-GAMMA, Methoxychlor.

Violation
24 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Nitrate, 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, Benzene.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Key contaminant findings

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

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.2 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 1.48 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 (1 compound) Elevated
Detected: Highest: lithium at 40.2000 µg/L Limit: 0.004 µg/L (EPA MCL)

Detected but within current EPA limits. PFAS do not break down in the environment and can accumulate in the body over time. An activated carbon filter can reduce exposure.

Violation history

Yakima's water system has 4,018 total violations on record, including 162 health-based violations. 216 remain unresolved. 156 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MRMONOtherMCLTT
Most recent violations:
Apr 2025 Endrin Resolved
Apr 2025 BHC-GAMMA Resolved
Apr 2025 Methoxychlor Resolved
Apr 2025 Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate Resolved
Apr 2025 Heptachlor Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Yakima County has experienced 10 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 Yakima River Above Ahtanum Creek, Ahtanum Creek.

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 Yakima's water come from?

Yakima's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 88 water systems serving approximately 173,902 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Yakima River Above Ahtanum Creek (river), Ahtanum Creek (river).

What Yakima residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: Activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Yakima'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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Yakima'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
1.2 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 8% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
1.48 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +13% over limit
Exceeds Limit
lithium
PFAS / Forever Chemical
Near MCL
40.2000 µg/L
EPA MCL: 0.004 µg/L · +20% over limit
Detected
HAA5 (Disinfection Byproducts)
Disinfection Byproduct
Safe
22.5 µg/L
EPA MCL: 60 µg/L · 37% of limit
Within LimitUCMR 4 DataHAA6Br: 1.3 µg/LHAA9: 23.7 µg/L
Chromium-6 (Hexavalent Chromium)
Inorganic
Detected
2.92 µg/L
CA MCL (no federal MCL): 10 µg/L · 29% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Strontium
Inorganic
Detected
158.0 µg/L
EPA Health Ref Level: 1,500 µg/L · 11% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Manganese
Inorganic
Elevated
36.5 µg/L
EPA Secondary MCL: 50 µg/L · 73% of limit
DetectedUCMR 4 Data
Vanadium
Inorganic
Over HA
40.80 µg/L
EPA Short-term HA: 21 µg/L · +20% over limit
Over Health AdvisoryUCMR 3 Data
Chlorate
Disinfection Byproduct
Detected
97.0 µg/L
EPA Lifetime HA: 210 µg/L · 46% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Molybdenum
Inorganic
Detected
2.00 µg/L
EPA Lifetime HA: 40 µg/L · 5% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Lithium
Inorganic
Detected
40.2 µg/L
State screening level: 60 µg/L · 67% of limit
DetectedNo federal MCLUCMR 5 Data (2023–2025)
PFAS Testing

Forever chemicals overview

National PFAS report →
30
Compounds tested
1
Detected
0
Exceed EPA MCL
Compliance Record

Violation summary

4018
Total violations
162
Health-based
216
Active / unresolved
Apr 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

4018 Total
216 Active
162 Health-based
3802 Resolved
35 SNC
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
1500
Inorganic Chemicals
696
Total Coliform Rule
567
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
536
Nitrate Rule
187
Jul 2024 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2024 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2024 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2024 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2024 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2023 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2023 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 2023 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2023 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2022 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2021 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2021 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 2021 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2019 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2019 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2019 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2019 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2019 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2019 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2019 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Showing 20 of 4018 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Yakima

Industrial polluters nearby

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

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
YAKIMA TRAINING CENTER- RANGE
Other · US DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
YAKIMA, WA98901
——7.1 mi
ULTRA YIELD MICRONUTRIENTS
Chemicals · CAMERON CHEMICAL INC
MOXEE, WA98936
——7.9 mi
TREE TOP INC - SELAH SPRAYFIELD
Food · TREE TOP INC
SELAH, WA98942
——6.7 mi
TREE TOP INC SELAH PLANT
Food · TREE TOP INC
SELAH, WA98942
——4.4 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

Superfund sites within 10 miles of Yakima

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

Drought conditions

D1 — moderate drought

Yakima County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.

27.6%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Dec 2025
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Yakima County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1964. 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
Nov 1990
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #883
Dec 1977
SEVERE STORMS,MUDSLIDES, & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #545
Filter Recommendations

Recommended water filters

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

🧪
For PFAS
Reverse Osmosis or Activated Carbon Block
1 PFAS compound detected
🔧
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) 1.2 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 1.48 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 ND HI µg/L PFAS Not 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 40.200 HI µg/L PFAS 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 ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFBS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not 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 ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHpS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHxA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHxS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not 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 ND 0.004 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFOS ND 0.004 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFPeA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFPeS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not 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 5.0 ppb from 1992 (5.0 ppb) to 2025 (0.0 ppb).
Copper Level History

Copper level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
↘ Copper has decreased by 0.125 mg/L from 1993 (1.600 mg/L) to 1998 (1.475 mg/L).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Yakima compares by contaminant

Explore where Yakima 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
173,902
Water Systems
88
Source breakdown
Groundwater
87
Surface Water
1
Water Source

Where Yakima's water comes from

Surface Water

Yakima'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 173,902 people through 88 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Yakima

Yakima is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

Yakima River Above Ahtanum Creek
river
Ahtanum Creek
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Yakima

System Name PWSID Population Source
YAKIMA WATER DIVISION CITY OF WA5399150 112,858 SW
NOB HILL WATER ASSOCIATION WA5359700 36,026 GW
YAK CO - TERRACE HEIGHTS WA5306029 8,410 GW
Snake River Housing Water System WA5300710 3,036 GW
TIETON WATER DEPT CITY OF WA5388300 1,475 GW
Pelican Point By Cascadia LLC WA5366800 1,357 GW
YAK CO - BUENA WATER SYSTEM WA5334301 952 GW
VETERANS AFFAIR MED CTR DEPT OF WA5390542 785 GW
POMONA VIEW MOBILE PARK WA5365820 470 GW
SUN TIDES VISTA HOMEOWNERS ASSN WA5386284 350 GW
SKYLINE MOBILE HOME PARK WA5380205 340 GW
CANYON VILLAGE WATER SYSTEM INC WA5305801 310 GW
Selah Hills Homeowners Cooperative WA5379280 300 GW
OUTLOOK COMMUNITY WATER WA5364937 282 GW
MARYS GARDEN WA5351899 280 GW
HARTLINE WATER SYSTEM WA5331500 249 GW
PANORAMA PLACE WATER ASSN WA5365919 220 GW
APPLE ACRES VILLAGE WA5302735 212 GW
SUNDQUIST SUNNYSLOPE DOMESTIC WA53AD011 196 GW
YAK CO - CREWPORT WA5316242 192 GW
Sundquist TWH-Terrace Heights WA53AD423 192 GW
RICHARDSON WATER COMPANY WA5308371 188 GW
COUNTRY MOBILE ESTATES WA5315514 180 GW
WILLOW TREE PARK WA5391912 176 GW
ALPS MOBILE HOME PARK WA5314572 150 GW
EAST RIDGE PARK WA5321450 150 GW
POMONA ARTESIAN IRRIGATION COMPANY WA5365815 150 GW
HIGH VALLEY MOBILE HOME COURT WA5333515 142 GW
SOUTH HILLS WATER USERS ASSN INC WA5381851 135 GW
COUNTRY SQUIRE MOBILE MANOR WA5315515 131 GW
SELANDIA MANOR WATER ASSN WA5377410 130 GW
MOUNTAIN VIEW ESTATES WA5356830 120 GW
YAK CO - GALA ESTATES WATER SYSTEM WA5323280 119 GW
BUTTERFIELD WATER COMPANY WA5310100 108 GW
DALLESPORT MOBILE HOME PARK WA5308136 101 GW
BERTSCH SUBDIVISION WATER ASSN WA5305885 100 GW
DESERT VILLA WA5319068 100 GW
SUN-TIDES RV PARK WA5385138 100 GW
Doc Stewart WA53AD731 100 GW
Brocious Water System WA53AD822 100 GW
Brixey H2A WA53AD929 100 GW
OPR H2A WA53AE120 100 GW
River Ridge Farmworker Housing WA53AD621 98 GW
GMP Orchards LLC - Harbo WA53AD606 96 GW
HILLVIEW WATER ASSN WA5333365 95 GW
CASCADIA PARK WATER COMPANY WA5311625 93 GW
PROSPECT WATER ASSN INC WA5301842 92 GW
BURMAN ACRES WATER WA5309570 92 GW
BRIDGEVIEW HOMESITES WATER ASSN WA5308356 80 GW
TOOP WATER ASSN INC WA5388785 80 GW
COLUMBIA RIM WATER SYSTEM WA5314169 77 GW
GLEED MOBILE ESTATES WA5327828 76 GW
RIVER BEND MOBILE PARK LLC WA5372809 75 GW
TIETON HILLS WATER CO WA5388298 75 GW
WOODLAND PARK MOBIL COURT WA5398189 75 GW
LAURA LEE MOBILE HOME PARK WA5346219 72 GW
COUNTRY CLUB ESTATES HOA WA5315501 70 GW
WOLFE WATER ASSOCIATION WA5398045 70 GW
Firstfruits Farms WA5308690 68 GW
HI VALLEY VIEW WA5300431 67 GW
COTTONWOOD GLEN WATER ASSN WA5315112 65 GW
PLAYLAND PARK WA5330530 65 GW
WHITSTRAN HEIGHTS WATER ASSOCIATION WA5396550 65 GW
NEALS VALLEY VIEW ADDITION WTR CO WA5358650 62 GW
SADDLE RIDGE WATER USERS WA5375205 60 GW
STARKS MOBILE HOME COURT WA5383825 60 GW
MCAULAYS HOME SITES WA5352154 58 GW
NAGLER ESTATES WATER USERS ASSN WA5320788 54 GW
GREEN VALLEY ESTATES WATER ASSN WA5329597 53 GW
NORTH TERRA VISTA WATER USERS ASSN WA5361425 52 GW
TERRACE PARK WATER ASSOCIATION WA5387600 50 GW
NEW HORIZONS WA5351151 49 GW
COWICHE WATER ASSOCIATION WA5304316 48 GW
Meadow Park Water System WA5305848 48 GW
SUN ACRES ROAD & WATER ASSN WA5385121 47 GW
HILLSIDE PARK ADDITION WA5333260 45 GW
BRIDLE MOOR WATER ASSOCIATION WA5308364 44 GW
Tampico Drive Well Owners Assn WA5387144 42 GW
ROUGK WELL #2 WA5307866 36 GW
DRUSE WATER ASSOCIATION WA5320030 32 GW
GREEN MEADOWS SUBDIVISION WA5329450 32 GW
MT VIEW TRACTS WA5356851 31 GW
Whittlesey Water System WA53AD599 31 GW
Jubilee WA5305219 30 GW
BROWN TAYLOR WATER CO INC WA5308815 30 GW
CHARLENE HEIGHTS WELL CO WA5312239 30 GW
EDGEWATER WA5322418 30 GW
PUMP 8 DOMESTIC WATER ASSN WA5369900 30 GW
Regional Comparison

How Yakima compares

Full Washington rankings →

Yakima's score of 40.4/100 is below the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.

Yakima (this city)
40.4
Seattle
42.3
Tacoma
32.2
Vancouver
32.9
Spokane
39.2
Kent
44.4
Washington avg
53
Regional Comparison

Nearby cities

View Washington rankings →
Seattle
Washington
F
Score: 42.3 · 1889 violations · 1.2M residents
View report →
Tacoma
Washington
F
Score: 32.2 · 2772 violations · 628K 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 →
City Profile

About Yakima, WA

Wikipedia →

Yakima is a city in and the county seat of Yakima County, Washington, United States, and the state's 11th most populous city. As of the 2020 census, the city had a total population of 96,968 and a metropolitan population of 256,728. The unincorporated suburban areas of West Valley and Terrace Heights are considered a part of greater Yakima.

Economic Profile
$55,734
Median Income
$240,414
Median Home Value
$1,014/mo
Median Rent
8.1%
Unemployment
Community
33.9
Median Age
1,344
People / sq mi
19.4%
College Educated
53.1%
Homeownership

Learn more about your water

Guides and resources related to Yakima'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 Yakima

Yakima Water Quality Rankings
Compare all cities in the county — grades, violations, and contaminant data side by side.
→
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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Yakima, WA tap water safe to drink?

Yakima's water quality earned a grade of F (40.4/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #285 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.

What contaminants are in Yakima's water?

Lead was measured at 1.2 ppb (90th percentile). 1 PFAS compound was detected. 4018 violations are on record.

How is Yakima'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 Yakima?

PFAS compounds have been detected. A filter with activated carbon can help reduce exposure.

Where does Yakima's water come from?

Yakima's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 88 water systems serving approximately 173,902 residents.

What health violations has Yakima's water system had?

Yakima has 162 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 216 violations remain unresolved.

How does Yakima's water compare to other cities?

Yakima ranks #285 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 3% of state cities) and #15143 out of 15744 cities nationally (4th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.