Water Quality in White Salmon, WA: 9 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 65/100 · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
White Salmon'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
Compliance records maintained by the EPA for White Salmon, WA log 9 violations — accumulated reportable events drawn from every local utility in the SDWIS national tracking system.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in White Salmon
Water quality varies across White Salmon's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98672 | B | 78 | 9 | 2 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving White Salmon.
Water Quality Overview
White Salmon, 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).
The 3 water systems serving White Salmon have accumulated 9 EPA violations, including 2 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 4,414 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. White Salmon'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 White Salmon water systems is 0.0032 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 54% of homes built before 1986, White Salmon 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.
Radon Risk
White Salmon is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving White Salmon
White Salmon is served by 3 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 4,414 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
The EPA has taken 6 enforcement actions against water systems serving White Salmon. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in White Salmon
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
Contaminants Detected in White Salmon Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across White Salmon's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 4 | 1 | No |
| E. coli | Microbiological | N/A | 1 | 1 | Yes |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving White Salmon:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 1 |
| 2022 | 1 | 1 |
Violation counts have remained stable over the observed period.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 6 enforcement actions against water systems serving White Salmon. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-25 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-07-11 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-04-10 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-08-03 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-07-23 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-05-10 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-25.
White Salmon vs. Nearby Washington Cities
How White Salmon's water quality compares to similar cities in Washington:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White Salmon | C | 9 | 3 | 4,414 |
| Castle Rock | A | 1 | 2 | 4,426 |
| Ryderwood | C | 0 | 1 | 4,367 |
| Silverlake | C | 0 | 1 | 4,367 |
Common Questions About White Salmon Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in White Salmon, Washington:
Is White Salmon water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. White Salmon's 3 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink White Salmon tap water? White Salmon's water receives a grade of C (65/100). There are 2 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for White Salmon? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
White Salmon vs. Washington Average
Understanding how White Salmon 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 White Salmon.
ZIP Codes in White Salmon
White Salmon spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 98672. 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.