Mcchord Afb, WA Water Safety: 66/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Water systems across Mcchord Afb produce average compliance results for WA overall — pockets with documented violations exist, and the variation between areas makes checking the specific system serving a given address the most useful step for residents here.
How Mcchord Afb Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Mcchord Afb Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 62% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- CDC health risk index: 11.95.
Mcchord Afb's Water Providers
The structure of water supply in Mcchord Afb, WA is straightforward: one utility provides the bulk of residential service among 1 tracked system, concentrating rate-setting and infrastructure decisions under a single organization.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Mcchord Afb, Washington (population ~568), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 448,771 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Mcchord Afb — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Mcchord Afb: C (66/100)
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
Mcchord Afb water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Mcchord Afb
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 98438 | C | TACOMA WATER DIVISION CITY OF | 448,771 |
All ZIP Codes in Mcchord Afb
- 98438 [C]
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.
Mcchord Afb 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
Mcchord Afb Infrastructure Age
With 62% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Heavily weighted toward older construction, Mcchord Afb's housing stock carries a median build year of 1942. That profile puts a majority of homes in the era when lead-soldered copper plumbing was standard practice.
Over half of homes in Mcchord Afb were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Mcchord Afb: 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.
Older stock in Mcchord Afb represents 62% of the inventory, and citywide monitoring runs at or above the federal action level — making an in-home read a standard household-level step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Mcchord Afb
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 62% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Mcchord Afb, WA