Gig Harbor, WA Water Safety: 92/100 (2026)
3 ZIP codes · 6 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Drinking water tracked for Gig Harbor by WA authorities posts above-average scores — the majority of systems are free from health-based exceedances and the city's grade sits above the state median.
How Gig Harbor Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Gig Harbor Residents
- Average lead level: 0.003 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 40% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.95.
Gig Harbor's Water Providers
Structurally, Gig Harbor, WA's water supply is divided. Federal data identifies 6 water systems in the area, with 3 providers serving the bulk of residential connections. These utilities operate independently, meaning rate-setting authority and EPA compliance accountability are distributed rather than centralized.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 3 ZIP codes in Gig Harbor, Washington, covering 6 community water systems serving approximately 59,119 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Gig Harbor — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Gig Harbor: A (92/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Gig Harbor water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0030 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 3 ZIP codes
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 98329 | A | Lake of the Woods Community Club | 870 |
| 98332 | A | Gig Harbor Water Department | 14,902 |
| 98335 | A | Gig Harbor Water Department | 14,902 |
All ZIP Codes in Gig Harbor
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
Updated daily.
Gig Harbor Community Health Snapshot
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Gig Harbor Infrastructure Age
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Pre-1986 construction carries elevated plumbing-era lead risk because lead solder was widely used before that federal ban. In Gig Harbor, the median build year of 1991 indicates a housing stock where that older fraction represents a significant share of the residential inventory.
Most homes in Gig Harbor were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Gig Harbor
The household financial picture for Gig Harbor homeowners is proportionally favorable — addressing documented issues claims a small slice of equity, and the cost-to-value ratio puts this area well within the manageable tier.
Remediation costs in Gig Harbor are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,067–$2,267 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 47% above the Washington average.
Gig Harbor: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Routinely in Gig Harbor, where 40% of housing predates the solder ban and aggregate utility readings hover near the federal threshold, a faucet-level draw functions as a standard household step for families with small kids.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Gig Harbor: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Over the multi-decade window covered by the National Flood Insurance Program, Gig Harbor has accumulated 54 claims — a total that suggests more than isolated flood exposure. With 100% of ZIP codes in designated flood zones, the water-quality implications of flooding move from hypothetical to periodically relevant: treatment intake can be compromised, wells can be infiltrated, and distribution backflow can occur.
Gig Harbor has a moderate flood history with 54 FEMA claims averaging $19,991 per payout. 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$1,600</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Gig Harbor, WA