Tacoma
WA

Is Tacoma, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Tacoma tap water meets federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards but 14 of 14 ZIP codes show detections above EPA health guidelines, primarily for PFHxS. A certified filter is recommended for households that want an additional layer of protection.

3Water systems
14ZIP codes
100%ZIPs above EPA guideline
Metro areaSeattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Latest data2025-10-08

Where Does Tacoma Get Its Water?

Water in Tacoma, WA is provided by 3 public water systems: TACOMA WATER DIVISION CITY OF, PARKLAND LIGHT & WATER COMPANY and SUMMIT WATER & SUPPLY CO.

How Is Tacoma Tap Water Treated?

Treated water is disinfected using chloramines and free chlorine and ozone and on-site generated disinfectant. Treatment includes air stripping, conventional treatment (coagulation, flocculation, and filtration), granular activated carbon filtration and groundwater disinfection.

What's in Tacoma Tap Water?

The following contaminants were detected most frequently in Tacoma public water systems. 14 of 14 ZIP codes showed detections above EPA health guidelines.

ContaminantPeak detectedEPA guidelineZIPs detectedStatus
PFHxS 0.0051 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 14 ZIPs Above guideline
PFOS 0.0137 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 1 ZIP Above guideline
lithium 9 µg/L — 0 ZIPs Within guideline
PFTrDA 0.007 µg/L — 0 ZIPs Within guideline
PFBS 0.0069 µg/L — 1 ZIP Within guideline

Health Risk Profile for Tacoma

Based on EPA monitoring data, 14 of 14 ZIP codes in Tacoma 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.

Waterdrop G3P600 Reverse Osmosis System
Under-sink RO system

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 Tacoma Tap Water

Is Tacoma tap water safe to drink?

Tacoma tap water meets Safe Drinking Water Act requirements but 14 of 14 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 Tacoma tap water?

The most commonly detected contaminants in Tacoma water systems include: PFHxS, PFOS, lithium. See the ZIP-level reports for exact measurements and EPA guideline comparisons.

Where does Tacoma get its drinking water?

Tacoma receives water from 3 public water systems, including TACOMA WATER DIVISION CITY OF.

Do I need a water filter in Tacoma?

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 Tacoma tap water tested?

Public water systems in Tacoma 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 2025-10-08.

Tap water reports by ZIP in Tacoma

Water utilities serving Tacoma, 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.

Modeled boundaries are shown with a dashed outline.

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