Water Quality in Lopez Island, WA: 1 Violation — Grade A
Grade A · Score 95/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Lopez Island's water meets all EPA standards with no health-based violations.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Tracked under the EPA Safe Drinking Water program, Lopez Island, WA shows 1 water violation on file — findings that span multiple violation categories and are detailed system by system in the data grid further down the page.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Lopez Island
Water quality varies across Lopez Island's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98261 | A | 95 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Lopez Island, Washington receives a water quality grade of A with an overall score of 95 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Lopez Island have accumulated 1 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 1,566 people.
What Grade A Means
A grade of A indicates excellent compliance with EPA drinking water standards. Lopez Island's water systems have maintained strong performance in both contaminant monitoring and regulatory compliance.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Lopez Island water systems is 0.0024 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 51% of homes built before 1986, Lopez Island has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Water Systems Serving Lopez Island
Lopez Island is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 1,566 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 2 enforcement actions against water systems serving Lopez Island. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Lopez Island
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 Lopez Island Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Lopez Island's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment 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 2 enforcement actions against water systems serving Lopez Island. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-06-27 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-10-05 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-06-27.
Lopez Island vs. Nearby Washington Cities
How Lopez Island's water quality compares to similar cities in Washington:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lopez Island | A | 1 | 5 | 1,566 |
| Silver Creek | B | 0 | 1 | 1,553 |
| Grand Coulee | B | 0 | 2 | 1,544 |
| Waterville | B | 5 | 2 | 1,520 |
Common Questions About Lopez Island Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Lopez Island, Washington:
Is Lopez Island water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Lopez Island's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Lopez Island tap water? Lopez Island's water receives a grade of A (95/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Lopez Island? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Lopez Island vs. Washington Average
Understanding how Lopez Island 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 Lopez Island.
ZIP Codes in Lopez Island
Lopez Island spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 98261. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Water is Safe — Here's How to Keep It That Way
Grade A is excellent news. Here's what proactive homeowners do to maintain water quality:
Annual Water Testing
EPA recommends annual testing even with clean water. Home test kits: $20-$50. Catches changes before they become problems.
Maintenance Filtration
A basic carbon filter removes chlorine taste and catches emerging contaminants like PFAS that aren't yet fully regulated.
Plumbing Check
Even safe city water picks up lead from home pipes. If your home was built before 1986, a one-time pipe inspection is recommended.