University Place, WA Water Safety: 88/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-04
Within University Place, safety indicators for tap water remain above the WA median — documented violations are infrequent and the city's compliance record sits in the upper tier.
How University Place Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-04
Key Facts for University Place Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 58% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $500 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.95.
University Place's Water Providers
With 3 utilities splitting service in University Place, WA, water accountability is distributed across 3 systems on the federal record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in University Place, Washington (population ~15,241), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 510,935 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in University Place — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for University Place: A (88/100)
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
University Place water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for University Place
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 98467 | A | City of Tacoma Water Division | 448,771 |
All ZIP Codes in University Place
- 98467 [A]
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.
University Place 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
University Place Infrastructure Age
With 58% 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
The character of University Place's housing stock is one of deep historical layering — a median build year of 1986 signals a city built largely before the plumbing era changes of 1986 and 1970. Lead-soldered copper joints and, in the oldest properties, lead service lines are commonly present in this inventory. That context shapes what individual water testing may reveal, particularly in neighborhoods where the oldest housing is concentrated.
Over half of homes in University Place 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 University Place
At current valuations, University Place sits in the low remediation-share tier — the equity impact of fixing documented issues is proportionally minor.
Remediation costs in University Place are relatively low compared to home values. The $300–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 24% above the Washington average.
University Place: 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.
Confirming what arrives at a specific faucet is something utility-side averages cannot do. With 58% of University Place stock built before the lead-solder ban and citywide monitoring at or beyond the regulatory mark, a tap-level kit fits the standard diligence picture.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for University Place, WA