Washington
Is Washington tap water safe to drink?
Generally acceptable, but review local hotspots — score 76/100. This report aggregates EPA drinking water data across 3 local systems in Washington. We found 182 total violations (23 unresolved).
Real-Time Environment
Live: 08:00 PM☀️ No active precipitation. Rainfall can impact surface water turbidity and pollutant runoff in Washington.
Water Quality Impact
🛡️ Home Water Treatment Needs
Should you invest in filtration or softening for your home in Washington?
Expert Advice
Given the safety margin, a Carbon Block or sediment filter is recommended to improve taste and remove trace particulates.
Buying a Filter?
Filter or no filter for Washington water? Here's what the data says.
Baby Formula Safety
What new parents in Washington should know about tap water safety.
Homebuyer's Perspective
Water quality is easy to overlook when evaluating a move to Washington, but it can affect plumbing longevity and appliance lifespan. With a score of 76/100, we recommend budgeting for high-quality point-of-entry filtration systems to protect your home's value.
Health & Family Safety
Residents should monitor Lead (90th percentile) levels. Pregnant women and families with young children should consult the specific EPA health goals listed below.
View Health Risk Glossary →Compliance Record for Washington
Based on EPA SDWIS violation records and contaminant test results for all water systems serving Washington.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Washington tap water safe to drink?
Generally acceptable, but review local hotspots — score 76/100.
How many water systems serve Washington?
Washington is served by 3 public water systems in our latest EPA-backed dataset.
How can I check water quality for my exact address in Washington?
Use the WaterQ search tool to look up your ZIP code and view nearby systems, contaminant levels, and recent violations for Washington.
What is the water quality score for Washington?
The water quality score for Washington is 76 out of 100, based on EPA contaminant data, violation history, and testing results across the 3 systems serving the city.
What are the top contaminants in Washington?
The top contaminants detected in Washington include Lead (90th percentile). View detailed information on our contaminants page.
Washington Water Quality Summary
Washington, DC receives a water quality score of 76/100 (Grade B) based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) compliance data for 3 public water systems serving the area.
Washington's water quality is near the national average. While most systems meet EPA standards, some violations have been recorded. Residents may wish to review their specific water system's report for contaminant details.
and below the nationwide average of roughly 78/100 across all U.S. states.
For residents and home seekers in Washington, DC, navigating the water landscape means understanding that this large city distributes its supply across a handful of distinct water systems. While the overall quality of these utilities is respectable compared to standard US baselines, there remains room for improvement to elevate the water quality standard. Because tap water consistency can vary depending on which system serves a specific property, staying informed on localized reports is a practical habit for households in the area.
Water quality data is sourced from the U.S. EPA SDWIS database and updated quarterly. Learn about our scoring methodology →
Key Contaminants
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Water Systems Serving Washington (3)
Check Your Specific Address
Water quality can vary by neighborhood in Washington.
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Compare Washington water quality: View all states · Contaminant library · How we score water quality