Water Quality in Cle Elum, WA: 5 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 49/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Cle Elum's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Compliance records maintained by the EPA for Cle Elum, WA log 5 violations — accumulated reportable events drawn from every local utility in the SDWIS national tracking system.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Cle Elum
Water quality varies across Cle Elum's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98922 | D | 49 | 5 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Cle Elum, Washington receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 49 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Cle Elum have accumulated 5 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 7,173 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Cle Elum's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Cle Elum water systems is 0.0130 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
Radon Risk
Cle Elum is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Cle Elum
Cle Elum is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 7,173 people across 1 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 3 enforcement actions against water systems serving Cle Elum. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Cle Elum
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Cle Elum Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Cle Elum's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 3 enforcement actions against water systems serving Cle Elum. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2024-01-09 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-12-07 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-08-09 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2024-01-09.
Cle Elum vs. Nearby Washington Cities
How Cle Elum's water quality compares to similar cities in Washington:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cle Elum | D | 5 | 5 | 7,173 |
| Sultan | B | 1 | 2 | 7,282 |
| Elma | B | 5 | 3 | 7,033 |
| Goldendale | B | 2 | 5 | 7,031 |
Common Questions About Cle Elum Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Cle Elum, Washington:
Is Cle Elum water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Cle Elum's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Cle Elum tap water? Cle Elum's water receives a grade of D (49/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Cle Elum? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Cle Elum vs. Washington Average
Understanding how Cle Elum compares to the broader Washington average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Cle Elum.
ZIP Codes in Cle Elum
Cle Elum spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 98922. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.