CITY REPORT WA

Rosburg, WA Water Safety: 65/100 (2026)

1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03

The systems supplying Rosburg vary in performance across WA benchmarks — most meet minimum federal standards, but documented violations in select areas are on record.

How Rosburg Compares

Rosburg65/100
Washington avg78/100
National avg67/100

Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03

1
ZIP Codes
3
Water Systems
0
ZIPs with Violations
C · 65
Avg Safety Score
Zone 3
Radon Risk (Low)
$232K
Median Home Value
$1,200
Est. Remediation (0.5% of home value)

Key Facts for Rosburg Residents

  • Homes built before 1986: 68% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
  • Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
  • CDC health risk index: 15.71 — above typical levels.

Rosburg's Water Providers

Rosburg, WA draws its residential water from 3 separate providers among the 3 federally tracked systems. Each operates independently, with its own infrastructure, rate structure, and compliance record.

Cathlamet Water Department
Serves ~1,636 people
65
/100
Western Wahkiakum
Serves ~791 people
65
/100
CHINOOK WATER DISTRICT
Serves ~664 people
65
/100

Overview

We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Rosburg, Washington (population ~514), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 3,091 people region-wide.

No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Rosburg — an excellent indicator of water quality.

Home Safety Score

Average Home Safety Score for Rosburg: C (65/100)

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

Rosburg water systems draw from: Surface water.

Lead & Copper

  • Lead data: not yet available for Rosburg
  • 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
98643 C Cathlamet Water Department 1,636

All ZIP Codes in Rosburg

Data Sources

Updated daily.

Rosburg Community Health Snapshot

11.5%
Asthma (US: 9.8%)
14.7%
Diabetes (US: 10.4%)
16%
Poor Mental Health (US: 14.8%)

Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.

Compared to National Average

Asthma 11.5% ↑
Diabetes 14.7% ↑
Mental Health 16% ↑

Vertical line = national average. Above national · Below national

Rosburg Infrastructure Age

1975
Median Build Year
68%
Built Before 1986
33%
Built Before 1970
Copper
Likely Pipe Material

With 68% 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

What does a median build year of 1975 mean for water safety in Rosburg? It means the majority of the city's residential plumbing was installed before 1986, when lead solder was federally banned, and a large share may predate 1970, when lead pipes were commonly used — making plumbing age a central variable in household-level lead risk across much of the city.

1975
Median Year Built
68%
Pre-1986 (Lead Paint Risk)
33%
Pre-1970 (Lead Pipes Risk)
Pre-1970 (33%) 1970–1986 (35%) Post-1986 (32%)

Over half of homes in Rosburg 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.

How Remediation Costs Compare in Rosburg

Placing remediation in the context of Rosburg's property market, the equity share is low — most homeowners here are weighing a financial commitment that fits comfortably within routine property planning, far from the threshold where remediation becomes a material equity decision rather than a standard upkeep consideration.

Median Home Value
$232,400
Est. Remediation
$1,200
Remediation as % of home value 0.5%

Remediation costs in Rosburg are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 50% below the Washington average.

Rosburg: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations

68%
Homes Built Before 1986

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.

Practically, the structural drivers in Rosburg — 68% pre-rule stock and citywide monitoring at or beyond the regulatory benchmark — make an in-home draw the practical way to translate aggregate averages into the specific conditions at one address.

Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.

Rosburg: Flood History & Water Damage Risk

Flood exposure in Rosburg is meaningful by NFIP measures — 11 claims on record and 100% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone designations. That level of activity makes flood history a relevant factor when evaluating local water quality over time.

11
Total FEMA Flood Claims
$10,570
Avg Claim Payout
100%
ZIPs in FEMA Flood Zones
~1
Est. Claims/Year

Rosburg has a moderate flood history with 11 FEMA claims averaging $10,570 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>$1,200</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.

What You Can Do in Rosburg

  1. 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.
  2. Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
  3. Check your home's plumbing. With 68% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water safe to drink in Rosburg, WA?
Rosburg has an average water safety score of 65/100 (Grade C). No EPA violations on record. Check individual ZIP code reports for details specific to your neighborhood.
How does Rosburg compare to Washington average?
Rosburg has an average water safety score of 65/100, which is below the Washington state average of 78/100.
How many water systems serve Rosburg?
Rosburg is served by 3 public water systems across 1 ZIP code, serving approximately 514 people.
How much does it cost to fix water issues in Rosburg?
Estimated remediation costs in Rosburg average $1,200 per household, ranging from $800 to $1,800. Costs include filtration, pipe replacement, radon mitigation, and flood protection.
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