WATER QUALITY WA

Water Quality in South Bend, WA: No Violations — Grade C

Grade C · Score 65/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03

South Bend's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.

Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03

A clean federal EPA record is what the data shows for South Bend, WA — 1 system tracked across the full available compliance history, with no MCL exceedances, no unresolved monitoring gaps, and no enforcement proceedings documented at any stage.

Water Grade

Total Violations

Water Systems

ZIPs with Violations

ZIP Codes Monitored

Water Quality by ZIP Code in South Bend

Water quality varies across South Bend's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.

ZIP Code	Grade	Score	Violations	Health
98586	C	65	0	0	View report →

Water Quality Overview

South Bend, Washington receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 65 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).

No EPA violations have been recorded for the 1 water system serving South Bend. This is a positive indicator, though it does not guarantee the absence of all contaminants — some substances (like PFAS) are not yet fully regulated.

What Grade C Means

A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. South Bend's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.

Lead Levels

The average 90th percentile lead level across South Bend water systems is 0.0230 mg/L — this exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L. 1 ZIP code exceed the EPA lead action level.

With 81% of homes built before 1986, South Bend 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 South Bend

South Bend is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 2,930 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

How to Check Your Water in South Bend

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

South Bend vs. Nearby Washington Cities

How South Bend's water quality compares to similar cities in Washington:

City	Grade	Systems	Population
South Bend	C	1	2,930
Bay Center	C	1	2,930
Tokeland	C	1	2,930
Preston	B	1	2,987

Common Questions About South Bend Water

These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in South Bend, Washington:

Is South Bend water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. South Bend's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.

Can I drink South Bend tap water? South Bend's water receives a grade of C (65/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.

What is the best water filter for South Bend? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.

South Bend vs. Washington Average

Understanding how South Bend 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 South Bend.

ZIP Codes in South Bend

South Bend spans 1 ZIP code. 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

Is South Bend tap water safe to drink?

South Bend's water receives a grade of C (65/100). Some areas have recorded violations — residents in affected ZIP codes may want to consider water testing.

What contaminants are found in South Bend water?

South Bend water systems have zero recorded violations. While this is excellent, the EPA recommends annual testing as contaminants can enter your water through home plumbing.

How many water violations does South Bend have?

South Bend has 0 total EPA violations across 1 water system. 0 of 1 ZIP codes have at least one violation.

How many water systems serve South Bend?

South Bend is served by 1 public water system supplying drinking water across 1 ZIP codes. Water quality can vary between systems — check your specific ZIP code for localized data.

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