King County Water Quality: 186 Violations (WA)
94 water systems · 122 ZIP codes · Grade A · Updated 2026-06-03
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO Last verified: 2026-06-03
Violation Trend
EPA violations across water systems in King County.
Concerned about water quality in King County?
Get connected with a certified testing service.
Find the Right Filter →Water Quality Overview
King County has 94 community water systems serving approximately 88,189,899 people across 122 ZIP codes. These systems have accumulated 186 EPA violations, including 1 health-based violations.
Health-based violations account for 1% of all violations in King County. These violations indicate contaminant levels that may pose direct risks to human health.
Violation Breakdown
| Violation Type | Count | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Health-based | 1 | 0.5% |
| Monitoring/Reporting | 185 | 99.5% |
| Total | 186 | 100% |
Health-based violations indicate contaminant levels exceeding EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). Monitoring violations indicate failures to test or report.
Cities with Most Violations
| Rank | City | Violations | Health-Based | ZIP Codes | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seattle | 61 | 0 | 61 | 72,492,537 |
| 2 | Auburn | 16 | 0 | 4 | 1,173,791 |
| 3 | Federal Way | 12 | 0 | 4 | 1,037,813 |
| 4 | Baring | 12 | 0 | 1 | 104 |
| 5 | Renton | 10 | 0 | 5 | 1,434,328 |
| 6 | Issaquah | 8 | 0 | 2 | 618,640 |
| 7 | Bothell | 8 | 0 | 2 | 346,342 |
| 8 | Sammamish | 8 | 0 | 2 | 184,806 |
| 9 | Kent | 7 | 0 | 7 | 3,076,182 |
| 10 | Kirkland | 6 | 0 | 3 | 1,150,052 |
Violation Trend
Year-by-year EPA violations across water systems in King County:
| Year | Total | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 1 |
| 2025 | 2 | 2 |
Most Common Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 112 | 102 | No |
| Lead | Inorganic | 26 | 21 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 15 | 10 | No |
| Barium | Inorganic | 7 | 6 | No |
| Total Organic Carbon | Disinfection Byproducts | 5 | 2 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 4 | 4 | No |
Understanding Water Quality Scores
Each ZIP code in King County receives a safety score from 0-100 based on EPA compliance data. Scores factor in the number and severity of violations, with health-based violations weighted more heavily than monitoring failures. Resolved violations (where the system returned to compliance) receive reduced weight in the scoring.
The county-level grade (A) represents the average across all 122 ZIP codes. Individual ZIP codes may vary significantly — a county with a B grade may contain both A-rated and D-rated areas.
Water Systems in King County
King County is served by 94 community water systems, averaging 0.8 systems per ZIP code. Each system is independently regulated and tested by the EPA. Larger systems serving more people typically have more extensive monitoring requirements.
Water systems in King County source water from a mix of surface water (rivers, reservoirs) and groundwater (wells, aquifers). Source type affects which contaminants are most likely to be detected.
How to Check Your Water in King County
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup for detailed water system data including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — every water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report
Get a home test — certified kits ($20-$50) or professional lab tests ($150-$400) can detect contaminants not covered by routine testing
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can address specific contaminants found in your area
Check for lead — homes built before 1986 should test for lead regardless of utility compliance
EPA Enforcement
The EPA and state regulators have taken 303 enforcement actions against water systems in King County. Enforcement actions range from compliance assistance and administrative orders to formal penalties. Systems under enforcement are required to remediate violations and may face ongoing monitoring requirements.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO
Updated daily.
Water Quality Map: King County, WA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in King County
Water quality varies across King County's 122 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | City | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98224 | Baring | B | 73 | 12 | 0 | View → |
| 98014 | Carnation | B | 82 | 6 | 0 | View → |
| 98071 | Auburn | A | 93 | 4 | 0 | View → |
| 98029 | Issaquah | A | 89 | 4 | 0 | View → |
| 98070 | Vashon | A | 89 | 4 | 1 | View → |
| 98074 | Sammamish | A | 88 | 4 | 0 | View → |
| 98075 | Sammamish | A | 88 | 4 | 0 | View → |
| 98041 | Bothell | A | 85 | 4 | 0 | View → |
| 98001 | Auburn | B | 84 | 4 | 0 | View → |
| 98002 | Auburn | B | 84 | 4 | 0 | View → |
| 98011 | Bothell | B | 84 | 4 | 0 | View → |
| 98092 | Auburn | B | 84 | 4 | 0 | View → |
| 98038 | Maple Valley | B | 78 | 4 | 0 | View → |
| 98045 | North Bend | B | 78 | 4 | 0 | View → |
| 98027 | Issaquah | B | 74 | 4 | 0 | View → |
| 98063 | Federal Way | A | 95 | 3 | 0 | View → |
| 98093 | Federal Way | A | 95 | 3 | 0 | View → |
| 98077 | Woodinville | A | 94 | 3 | 0 | View → |
| 98003 | Federal Way | A | 91 | 3 | 0 | View → |
| 98072 | Woodinville | A | 89 | 3 | 0 | View → |
What is a water quality grade?
ZipCheckup grades water systems from A to F based on EPA violation history, contaminant levels, and system compliance. Grade A means few or no violations; Grade F indicates persistent or serious issues. King County's overall grade is A.
Not sure if your water needs a filter?
Our free tool matches your ZIP code data to the right filtration system — based on actual contaminants detected in your area.
Find the Right Filter →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the tap water safe in King County, Washington?
King County has 94 community water systems with 186 recorded EPA violations, including 1 health-based. Water quality varies by ZIP code — check your specific location for detailed results.
How many water violations does King County have?
King County has 186 total EPA violations across 122 ZIP codes. 1 are health-based violations indicating contaminant levels potentially harmful to health.
Which city in King County has the most water violations?
Seattle has the most violations in King County with 61 recorded EPA violations across 61 ZIP codes.
What contaminants are found in King County water?
King County water systems are monitored for over 90 EPA-regulated contaminants including lead, copper, nitrates, disinfection byproducts, and bacteria. Check your ZIP code for contaminant-specific data.
How can I test my water in King County?
Contact your local water utility for free or low-cost testing. You can also use a certified home test kit ($20-$50) or hire a certified lab ($150-$400).