Washington – The Evergreen State – Water Quality Report 2025: PFAS Testing, Infrastructure Concerns & Safety across your state
Washington’s water infrastructure serves approximately 7.3 million residents across diverse geographical regions, from the coastal areas of Puget Sound to the Columbia River Basin in the east. The state operates through a complex network of over 2,400 public water systems, ranging from large utilities like Seattle Public Utilities, which serves over 1.4 million customers, to smaller rural systems providing essential services to remote communities. Washington’s water sources include the Columbia River system, Puget Sound watersheds, and numerous mountain-fed rivers and groundwater aquifers that supply both urban centers and agricultural areas.
Despite abundant water resources from its mountainous terrain and significant rainfall in western regions, Washington faces emerging infrastructure challenges. According to federal infrastructure investments, Washington has received $64 million in 2025 funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to address water infrastructure improvements, including substantial funds for emerging contaminant treatment. The state has been a national leader in PFAS regulation, establishing its own drinking water standards in 2021 for “forever chemicals,” and at least 1,228 water systems have tested for PFAS with 30 detecting contamination above state action levels. Washington’s proactive approach to water quality protection is demonstrated through partnerships between the Department of Health, Department of Ecology, local utilities, and federal agencies working to ensure safe, reliable water access while addressing emerging contaminants and climate adaptation challenges.
Washington Water Quality: Current Status (2024-2025)
Statewide Compliance and Testing
- Overall Compliance: More than 6.2 million Washington residents, 85% of the state’s population, receive drinking water from public water systems that generally meet federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards, though some systems require upgrades to address emerging contaminants.
- PFAS Leadership: Washington established state action levels for PFAS in 2021 and requires over 2,400 public water systems to test for PFAS by December 2025, with comprehensive monitoring revealing contamination in communities from Whidbey Island to Spokane.
- Infrastructure Investment: Over $64 million in federal funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has been allocated to Washington in 2025 for water infrastructure improvements, including $17.3 million specifically for PFAS treatment and emerging contaminant removal.
Major Water Sources and Challenges
- Puget Sound Region: Serves western Washington including Seattle, Tacoma, and surrounding areas, with documented PFAS contamination requiring ongoing monitoring and treatment system upgrades.
- Columbia River Basin: Primary source for eastern Washington communities, facing challenges from changing snowpack patterns due to climate change and increasing agricultural demands.
- Climate Adaptation Needs: Climate models project further increases in winter streamflow with consequent declines in summer streamflow, requiring infrastructure adaptations and enhanced water management strategies.
Emerging Contaminant Response
- PFAS Regulation Implementation: New EPA drinking water standards for PFOA and PFOS (4 parts per trillion) take effect in 2029, with Washington’s existing state standards often providing stronger protection than federal minimums.
- Treatment Technology Deployment: Water utilities are implementing advanced treatment technologies including granular activated carbon filtration and reverse osmosis systems to remove PFAS and other emerging contaminants.
- Product Restrictions: Washington became the first state to tackle PFAS in a broad range of products including apparel, cosmetics, and firefighter gear by 2025, leading national efforts in prevention.
Rural and Disadvantaged Communities
- Infrastructure Disparities: While large water systems comply effectively with regulations and maintain infrastructure, smaller systems face challenges satisfying regulatory requirements consistently due to limited resources.
- Targeted Federal Support: The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund provides planning grants for small water systems and construction loans with dedicated support for disadvantaged communities.
- Technical Assistance Programs: The Department of Health provides enhanced technical support to help smaller systems navigate complex regulatory requirements and secure funding for necessary improvements.
Looking Forward: 2025-2030
Washington’s water quality landscape continues to evolve as utilities prepare for strengthened federal PFAS regulations and adapt to climate change impacts. The state needs approximately $11.73 billion over the next 20 years to keep up with growing demand and aging transmission, distribution, treatment, storage, and source infrastructure. Washington’s leadership in PFAS regulation and product restrictions, combined with substantial federal infrastructure investments, positions the state as a national model for addressing emerging water quality challenges. However, successful implementation will require continued collaboration between state agencies, water utilities, and communities to ensure that all Washington residents have access to safe, affordable drinking water while building resilience against climate change impacts and emerging contamination challenges.
Recommendations for Washington Residents
Know Your Water Source
Contact your water utility to request annual water quality reports and ask about PFAS testing results. Visit the Department of Health’s PFAS Testing Dashboard to see if PFAS have been found in your area and access local system testing data.
Support Infrastructure Investment
Stay informed about local water infrastructure needs and support utility rate structures that enable necessary improvements. Attend public meetings when utilities discuss infrastructure upgrades and PFAS treatment investments.
Consider PFAS-Certified Filtration
For areas with known PFAS contamination, consider NSF-certified activated carbon or reverse osmosis filters specifically tested for PFAS removal. These can provide additional protection while utilities implement treatment upgrades.
Report Water Quality Concerns
Contact your local water utility immediately for taste, odor, or color concerns. Report suspected contamination to the Department of Health’s Office of Drinking Water or Department of Ecology for investigation and follow-up.
Practice Water Conservation
Support Washington’s water sustainability by implementing conservation measures like efficient irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and low-flow fixtures. Reducing demand helps utilities maintain system reliability and affordability while preserving water for fish and ecosystems.
Washington Cities We Cover
Seattle Water Quality
Comprehensive analysis of Seattle Public Utilities, one of the Pacific Northwest’s largest water utilities serving over 1.4 million customers. Includes information on water sources, treatment processes, infrastructure modernization, and PFAS monitoring efforts.
Spokane Water Quality
Detailed assessment of City of Spokane water systems, covering water quality testing, source protection, and compliance with emerging contaminant regulations in eastern Washington’s largest city.
Tacoma Water Quality
In-depth evaluation of Tacoma Water systems, including water quality monitoring, infrastructure investments, and efforts to address PFAS contamination in South Puget Sound communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Washington’s tap water safe to drink?
Most of Washington’s public water systems meet federal drinking water standards and are safe for consumption. However, some areas have elevated PFAS levels that may require treatment.
The Washington Department of Health requires comprehensive testing across all public water systems serving 25 or more people. About 30 systems have detected PFAS contamination above state action levels. Water utilities are implementing advanced treatment technologies and the state has received over $64 million in federal funding to address emerging contaminants and infrastructure needs. Residents should review their utility’s annual water quality report and stay informed about local conditions.
What are PFAS chemicals and why are they a concern in Washington?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic “forever chemicals” that don’t break down naturally in the environment or human body.
Washington has documented PFAS contamination in communities from Whidbey Island to Spokane, largely from firefighting foam use at military bases and airports, and industrial sources. These chemicals have been linked to cancer, liver damage, immune system effects, and other health concerns. Washington became the first state to establish comprehensive PFAS product bans and has been testing water systems statewide since 2021. The state’s action levels are often more protective than new federal EPA standards.
How can I find out about my local water quality?
Washington residents can access comprehensive water quality information through several resources:
• Annual Water Quality Reports: Contact your water utility directly for their Consumer Confidence Report, which details all testing results and any violations or concerns
• PFAS Testing Dashboard: Visit the Washington State Department of Health’s online PFAS Testing Dashboard to see if PFAS have been found in your area
• Water Quality Assessment: Check the Department of Ecology’s Water Quality Atlas for information about your local watershed and water body conditions
• EWG Tap Water Database: Use your zip code to search for contaminants detected in your local water system and get filter recommendations
What are Washington’s main water infrastructure challenges?
Washington’s water infrastructure faces several key challenges:
Climate Change Impacts: Changing snowpack patterns affect seasonal water availability, with earlier melting and reduced summer flows stressing supply systems
Aging Infrastructure: The state needs approximately $11.73 billion over the next 20 years to maintain and upgrade transmission, distribution, treatment, and storage infrastructure
Emerging Contaminants: PFAS and other new pollutants require expensive treatment technologies that strain utility budgets, especially for smaller systems
Rural System Capacity: Smaller water systems face greater challenges meeting regulatory requirements consistently due to limited technical and financial resources
The state is addressing these challenges through federal infrastructure investments, improved technical assistance programs, and innovative funding mechanisms for disadvantaged communities.
Contaminants of Concern
PFAS “Forever Chemicals”
Source: Firefighting foam use at military bases and airports (Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Fairchild Air Force Base), industrial manufacturing, and consumer products including non-stick cookware and water-resistant textiles
Health Effects: Linked to kidney and testicular cancer, liver damage, immune system suppression, high cholesterol, thyroid disease, and developmental effects in children
Current Status: At least 30 Washington water systems have detected PFAS above state action levels, with contamination found from Whidbey Island to Spokane. Cities like Vancouver are implementing $235 million treatment plans. State Action Levels: 15 ppt for some PFAS compounds, often more protective than federal limits
Climate-Related Water Challenges
Source: Changing snowpack patterns due to climate change, increasing winter streamflow followed by declining summer flows, and rising temperatures affecting water quality and availability
Health Effects: Potential for increased algae blooms, higher pathogen concentrations during low flows, and strain on water treatment systems during extreme weather events
Current Status: Eastern Washington experiencing drought conditions with less than 75% of normal water supply. Harmful algae blooms identified in 40 lakes statewide. State Response: Enhanced monitoring, drought declarations, and infrastructure investments to build climate resilience
Please read – our information
The information presented on cleanairandwater.net is compiled from official water quality reports, trusted news sources, government websites, and public health resources. While we strive for accuracy and thoroughness in our presentations, we are not scientists, engineers, or qualified water quality professionals.
Our mission is to present water quality information in an accessible, real-world format that helps people understand what’s in their water and make informed decisions about their health and safety. We believe that complex environmental information should be available to everyone in a format that’s easy to understand.
We make every effort to ensure our content is current and accurate, but we cannot guarantee that all information is complete or error-free. This website should not replace official communications from your local water utility or health department. We always recommend consulting official sources for the most up-to-date information regarding your specific water system.
Clean Air and Water is not liable for any unintentional errors, omissions, or outdated information. The content on this site is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.
