Vancouver, WA: 19 Violations Recorded for Mapped Water Systems - 49/100
14 ZIP codes · 6 water systems · Updated
ZipCheckup grade for Vancouver: D.
Federal records show several conditions worth reviewing.
Your top priority: see the breakdown below and consider a certified water filter. NSF certified filters →
Low marks: Vancouver, WA sits below the midpoint of the ZipCheckup grade scale.
Data: EPA SDWIS, FEMA NFIP, Census ACS
Key Facts for Vancouver Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 19 violations since 2021.
- Average of reported 90th-percentile lead results: 0.0022 mg/L.
Water Quality in Vancouver
We track home safety signals for 14 ZIP codes in Vancouver, Washington. EPA community-water data is directly mapped for 11 ZIP codes and 6 water systems.
7 of 11 directly mapped ZIP records with reported violation counts (64%) have recorded EPA violations - 19 total, including no health-based violations in the measured subset.
Average Home Safety Score: D (49/100)
Water sources: Groundwater.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrate | Inorganic | 11 | 7 |
| Consumer Confidence Rule | Reporting | 7 | 3 |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | 1 | 1 |
Lead Risk
- Average of reported 90th-percentile lead results: 0.0022 mg/L
- 0 of 11 ZIP codes with known status exceed the EPA lead action level
- 48% of housing built before 1986 (when lead solder was banned)
- 10% of housing built before 1950 (when lead pipes were standard)
- Median year built: 1985
- Most common estimated pipe material: Copper
- Lead exposure risk score: 37/100
- Estimated lead service line probability: 14%
- 4 ZIP codes classified as high or very high lead risk
With 48% of homes built before the 1986 lead solder ban, Vancouver residents - especially those in older neighborhoods - should consider testing their tap water for lead. Homes built before 1950 are at the highest risk of having lead service lines.
Housing Age Distribution
142,069 total housing units across 14 ZIP codes:
| Era | Units | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-1940 | 5,149 | 4% |
| 1940–1949 | 4,827 | 3% |
| 1950–1959 | 6,855 | 5% |
| 1960–1969 | 10,873 | 8% |
| 1970–1979 | 25,839 | 18% |
| 1980–1989 | 17,057 | 12% |
| 1990–1999 | 31,865 | 22% |
| 2000–2009 | 20,509 | 14% |
| 2010–2019 | 17,597 | 12% |
| 2020+ | 1,498 | 1% |
Flood Risk
FEMA National Flood Insurance Program data for Vancouver:
- 37 flood insurance claims on record
- $431,844 sum of reported building, contents, and ICC payment components
- 24 claims with payment data
- 13 claims without reported payment fields
- $17,994 average reported component sum among claims with payment data
- Dominant rated-zone value in historical claims: AE (A/V-family)
- 4 of 9 ZIP codes with claim-zone records have an A/V-family dominant rated zone in those claims
- Claim-zone values are historical insurance records, not a complete current FEMA property-map inventory
Radon Risk
14 of 14 ZIP records with known zones are in EPA Radon Zone 1.
The EPA recommends testing all homes regardless of radon zone. County radon zones cannot replace an in-home radon test.
Neighborhoods by Safety Score
Safest Areas
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 98660 | 50/100 | D | 0 |
| 98661 | 50/100 | D | 0 |
| 98662 | 50/100 | D | 1 |
| 98663 | 50/100 | D | 0 |
| 98664 | 50/100 | D | 0 |
| 98665 | 50/100 | D | 1 |
| 98685 | 50/100 | D | 1 |
| 98686 | 50/100 | D | 1 |
| 98682 | 48/100 | D | 4 |
| 98684 | 48/100 | D | 3 |
Areas Needing Attention
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 98683 | 46/100 | D | 8 |
What Vancouver Residents Can Do
Test Your Water
- Order a certified lab test - home test kits cost $20–50 and cover lead, bacteria, and common contaminants
- Request your utility's CCR (Consumer Confidence Report) - your water provider must publish this annually
- Check your ZIP code - each area in Vancouver has different water systems and risk levels
Filter Your Water
- NSF-certified pitcher filter removes chlorine taste and some contaminants ($20–40)
- NSF 53-certified filter for lead - recommended for homes built before 1986
- Reverse osmosis system removes 95%+ of contaminants including lead, PFAS, and nitrates ($150–400)
Test for Radon
- Vancouver is in a high-risk radon area
- Short-term radon test kits cost $10–25
- If levels exceed 4 pCi/L, EPA recommends professional mitigation
Stay Informed
- Visit your ZIP code report for detailed, address-level data
- Sign up for EPA water quality alerts
- Review the annual water quality report from your local utility
All ZIP Codes in Vancouver
- 98660 [D]
- 98661 [D]
- 98662 [D] - 1 violation
- 98663 [D]
- 98664 [D]
- 98665 [D] - 1 violation
- 98666
- 98668
- 98682 [D] - 4 violations
- 98683 [D] - 8 violations
- 98684 [D] - 3 violations
- 98685 [D] - 1 violation
- 98686 [D] - 1 violation
- 98687
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the tap water safe to drink in Vancouver, WA?
The Home Safety Score is not a drinking-water grade. Vancouver has an average score of 49/100 (grade D) across 11 ZIP codes with complete current-model evidence. Separately, there are 19 recorded EPA violations across 11 directly mapped ZIP records with reported counts, 0 of which are health-based. Check the specific ZIP and serving utility before drawing a water-safety conclusion.
Does Vancouver have lead in the water?
The average of the reported 90th-percentile lead results across the ZIP codes of Vancouver is 0.0022 mg/L, below the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L. 0 of 11 ZIP codes with known action-level status are served by a system whose 90th-percentile lead result exceeded the EPA action level. About 48% of housing was built before 1986, when lead solder was banned.
Is Vancouver at risk for flooding?
FEMA data shows 37 flood insurance claim records in Vancouver ZIP codes, with an average reported building, contents, and ICC component sum of $17,994 among 24 claims with payment data. 13 claims lack reported payment fields and are not counted as zero. Among 9 ZIP codes with historical claim-zone values, 4 have an A/V-family dominant rated zone in those claims. Claim records do not establish current property-level flood risk; check the FEMA map for a specific address.
Are there lead pipes in Vancouver homes?
48% of Vancouver housing was built before 1986, when lead solder was common in plumbing. 10% was built before 1950, when lead pipes were standard. The most common estimated pipe material is Copper. The estimated probability of lead service lines is 14%. We recommend testing your water if your home was built before 1986.
What contaminants have been found in Vancouver water?
The most common contaminants by violation count are Lead, Surface Water Treatment Rule, Consumer Confidence Report Rule. Across 11 ZIP codes with directly mapped EPA water data, 7 have recorded EPA violations. Check your ZIP code report for the specific contaminants in your area.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Housing age: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey
- Flood data: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program
- Lead exposure: Composite risk score based on housing age, water lead levels, and service line estimates
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Source reporting periods vary. See each cited source for its publication schedule.
Vancouver Infrastructure Age
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Most homes in Vancouver were built after 1986; lead exposure at a tap still depends on its service line and plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Vancouver: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states that no safe blood lead level in children has been identified. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Available area-level lead records for Vancouver do not determine the lead level at an individual tap. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Vancouver: NFIP Claim Records and Water-Quality Context
Historical NFIP data for Vancouver contains 37 flood insurance claims. Among claims with payment data, the average reported building, contents, and ICC component sum is $17,994. Among ZIP codes with claim records, 44% have an A- or V-family dominant rated zone recorded in those historical claims. This is not a complete current FEMA property-map inventory.
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.
Claim count does not establish current property risk. Check the exact address in FEMA's current map and obtain a property-specific insurance quote when relevant.
Source: historical FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claim records. No current FEMA property-map designation is asserted.
What You Can Do in Vancouver
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages - your tap may differ. Check the certification, price and turnaround time of any water test kit or lab service.
- Install a certified water filter. Choose a pitcher or under-sink filter certified to reduce the specific contaminants of concern.
- Check your home's plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
- Review your water system's CCR. If you use a community water system, request its annual Consumer Confidence Report for system-level test results or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Vancouver, WA