Is Olympia, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Olympia tap water meets federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards but 4 of 5 ZIP codes show detections above EPA health guidelines, primarily for PFOS. A certified filter is recommended for households that want an additional layer of protection.
Where Does Olympia Get Its Water?
Water in Olympia, WA is provided by 3 public water systems: OLYMPIA CITY OF, LACEY WATER DEPARTMENT and TUMWATER CITY OF.
How Is Olympia Tap Water Treated?
Treated water is disinfected using free chlorine and chloramines and on-site generated disinfectant. Treatment includes air stripping, conventional treatment (coagulation, flocculation, and filtration) and groundwater disinfection.
What's in Olympia Tap Water?
The following contaminants were detected most frequently in Olympia public water systems. 4 of 5 ZIP codes showed detections above EPA health guidelines.
| Contaminant | Peak detected | EPA guideline | ZIPs detected | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFOS | 0.0058 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | 2 ZIPs | Above guideline |
| PFPeA | 0.0188 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | 1 ZIP | Above guideline |
| PFTrDA | 0.007 µg/L | 0.007 µg/L | 1 ZIP | Above guideline |
| lithium | 9 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
| 11Cl-PF3OUdS | 0.005 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
Health Risk Profile for Olympia
Based on EPA monitoring data, 4 of 5 ZIP codes in Olympia have recorded detections above EPA health guidelines. Sensitive populations such as infants, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems may benefit from an additional layer of protection such as a certified point-of-use filter.
Best Broad-Spectrum Filters for This Water Profile
This city profile includes PFAS detections, chlorine disinfection, and other dissolved contaminants. Reverse osmosis (RO) systems certified under NSF/ANSI 58 provide broad reduction coverage; for PFAS specifically, confirm NSF/ANSI P473 or equivalent PFAS reduction certification.
8-stage tankless RO system certified to NSF/ANSI 58, reduces 1,000+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, arsenic, fluoride, and nitrates.
See recommendations matched to your exact address: choose your ZIP code below.
Frequently Asked Questions about Olympia Tap Water
Is Olympia tap water safe to drink?
Olympia tap water meets Safe Drinking Water Act requirements but 4 of 5 ZIP codes show contaminant levels above EPA health-based guidelines. A certified point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
What contaminants are in Olympia tap water?
The most commonly detected contaminants in Olympia water systems include: PFOS, PFPeA, PFTrDA. See the ZIP-level reports for exact measurements and EPA guideline comparisons.
Where does Olympia get its drinking water?
Olympia receives water from 3 public water systems, including OLYMPIA CITY OF.
Do I need a water filter in Olympia?
If your ZIP code is among those with detections above EPA health guidelines, choose a filter certified for the specific contaminants shown in your ZIP report. Reverse osmosis is generally the broadest option for PFAS, lithium, and many other dissolved contaminants.
How often is Olympia tap water tested?
Public water systems in Olympia are required by the EPA to test for regulated contaminants on schedules ranging from daily (for microbials and disinfectants) to annual or triennial (for many chemical contaminants). Results are published in annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs). The data on this page reflects the most recent available EPA monitoring results, with the latest sample date of 2025-11-24.
Tap water reports by ZIP in Olympia
- 98501 - Tumwater, Olympia tap water report Higher concern
- 98502 - Olympia West CCD, Olympia tap water report Higher concern
- 98505 - Olympia tap water report No recent data
- 98506 - Olympia CCD, Olympia tap water report Higher concern
- 98507 - Olympia tap water report Higher concern
Water utilities serving Olympia, WA
Service area boundaries are approximate and based on state filings or modeled estimates. Contact your utility to confirm exact service at a specific address.
- LACEY WATER DEPARTMENTAction advised
- OLYMPIA CITY OFAction advised
- HORIZONS WESTLooks OK
Also covers / overlaps with
- Olympia CCD, WA · Township
- Olympia West CCD, WA · Township
- Thurston South CCD, WA · Township
- Tumwater, WA