PFAS Contamination in Washington: 152 ZIP Codes Tested
152 ZIPs tested · 27 exceeding limits (18%)
Data source: EPA UCMR 3/5, SDWIS, ECHO, DOD Last verified: 2026-06-03
PFAS Contamination Summary
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| ZIP codes with PFAS detections | 152 |
| ZIP codes exceeding EPA limits | 27 (18%) |
| Superfund sites | 47 |
| Military bases linked to PFAS | 28 of 33 |
| Testing coverage | 22% of state ZIP codes |
| Untested ZIP codes | 551 |
Most Common PFAS Compounds Detected
| Compound | ZIP Codes with Detections |
|---|---|
| PFBS | 141 |
| PFHxA | 87 |
| PFOS | 87 |
| PFPeA | 83 |
| PFHxS | 83 |
| PFOA | 46 |
Worst-Affected Areas in Washington
The following ZIP codes have the highest number of PFAS detections in Washington:
| Rank | ZIP Code | City | PFAS Types | Total Detections | Exceeds EPA Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 98662 | Vancouver | 7 | 78 | Yes |
| 2 | 98664 | Vancouver | 7 | 78 | Yes |
| 3 | 98665 | Vancouver | 7 | 78 | Yes |
| 4 | 98660 | Vancouver | 7 | 73 | Yes |
| 5 | 98661 | Vancouver | 7 | 73 | Yes |
| 6 | 98668 | Vancouver | 7 | 73 | Yes |
| 7 | 98503 | Lacey | 10 | 56 | Yes |
| 8 | 98373 | Puyallup | 7 | 55 | No |
| 9 | 98374 | Puyallup | 7 | 54 | No |
| 10 | 98371 | Puyallup | 7 | 42 | No |
Check your ZIP code on our PFAS map to see if your area is affected.
Sources of PFAS Contamination in Washington
PFAS contamination in Washington comes from several key sources:
Military Installations
28 military bases in Washington are linked to PFAS contamination, primarily from the use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) in firefighting training exercises.
Key installations include:
- Fairchild Air Force Base
- McChord Air Force Base
- Whidbey Island Naval Air Station
Superfund Sites
Washington has 47 Superfund sites that may contribute to PFAS contamination. Major sites include:
- GREENACRES LANDFILL
- MIDWAY LANDFILL
- SEATTLE MUNICIPAL LANDFILL KENT HIGHLANDS
- COMMENCEMENT BAY NEAR SHORE TIDE FLATS
- WESTERN PROCESSING CO INC
Industrial and Municipal Sources
Beyond military and Superfund sites, PFAS contamination in Washington also stems from:
- Industrial facilities that manufactured or used PFAS-containing products
- Airports that used AFFF firefighting foam
- Wastewater treatment plants that received PFAS-laden industrial discharge
- Landfills accepting PFAS-containing consumer products
Washington PFAS Regulations
Washington has established its own PFAS drinking water standards:
State limits: State action levels: PFOA 10 ppt, PFOS 15 ppt, PFBS 345 ppt (2021)
Washington established state action levels for multiple PFAS compounds.
In addition to state limits, the federal EPA PFAS rule (April 2024) sets MCLs of 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS, with compliance required by 2029.
Testing Gaps
Only 22% of ZIP codes in Washington have been tested for PFAS. That leaves 551 ZIP codes with no public PFAS data.
The EPA requires all public water systems to complete PFAS monitoring by 2027. Until then, residents in untested areas may want to consider independent water testing or a certified PFAS filter.
What Washington Residents Can Do
1. Check Your Water
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see PFAS detections, violations, and health risk scores for your area.
2. Get Your Water Tested
If your ZIP code has PFAS detections or is in an untested area, consider a certified lab test. Look for labs accredited under EPA Method 533 or 537.1. Home test kits cost $150-$350 and cover the six regulated PFAS compounds.
3. Install a Certified Filter
The most effective home treatment options for PFAS removal:
- Reverse osmosis (RO) systems remove 90-99% of PFAS (NSF 58 certified)
- Granular activated carbon (GAC) filters remove 60-95% depending on the compound (NSF 53 certified)
- Ion exchange systems are effective for short-chain PFAS
Use our Filter Matcher tool to find NSF-certified filters that remove PFAS.
4. Check for Lead Risk Too
Many areas with PFAS contamination also face lead service line risks. Use our Lead Risk Calculator to assess your home's lead exposure risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ZIP codes in Washington have PFAS in their water?
Based on EPA data, 152 ZIP codes in Washington have detectable PFAS in their public water supply. Of those, 27 (18%) exceed the federal MCL of 4 ppt for PFOA or PFOS.
Is my water safe to drink in Washington?
It depends on your location. 27 ZIP codes in Washington exceed federal PFAS limits. Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your area's specific results. Even if your water meets current standards, you may want to use a certified filter as PFAS accumulate in the body over time.
Does Washington have its own PFAS limits?
Yes. Washington established state action levels for multiple PFAS compounds. State limits: State action levels: PFOA 10 ppt, PFOS 15 ppt, PFBS 345 ppt (2021). These operate alongside the federal EPA standard of 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS.
What is the best water filter for PFAS in Washington?
Reverse osmosis (RO) systems certified to NSF 58 are the most effective option, removing 90-99% of PFAS compounds. Granular activated carbon (GAC) filters certified to NSF 53 also reduce PFAS significantly. Use the ZipCheckup Filter Matcher tool to find certified filters for your specific contaminants.
Where does PFAS contamination in Washington come from?
The primary sources include 28 military bases that used AFFF firefighting foam, 47 Superfund sites, industrial facilities, airports, and wastewater treatment plants. PFAS are also found in landfill leachate from consumer products containing these chemicals.
Why hasn't my area been tested for PFAS?
Only 22% of ZIP codes in Washington have public PFAS testing data. The EPA requires all public water systems to complete PFAS monitoring by 2027 under the new federal rule. Until then, you can get independent lab testing (EPA Method 533 or 537.1) for $150-$350.