Worst Infrastructure: Seattle Metro — 2026

Out of 67 ZIP codes with infrastructure data in the Seattle metro area, these areas face the highest estimated risk of water pipe failure based on infrastructure age, funding gaps, and violation history.

Statistic	Value
ZIP codes ranked	67
Highest risk	NaN%
Median risk	NaN%
Average risk	NaN%

Top 67 Highest Risk ZIP Codes

Rank	ZIP Code	City	State	Pipe Failure Risk	Risk Level	Safety Score
1	98004	Bellevue	WA	NaN%	Unknown	99/100
2	98005	Bellevue	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
3	98006	Bellevue	WA	NaN%	Unknown	98/100
4	98007	Bellevue	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
5	98008	Bellevue	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
6	98030	Kent	WA	NaN%	Unknown	99/100
7	98031	Kent	WA	NaN%	Unknown	98/100
8	98032	Kent	WA	NaN%	Unknown	99/100
9	98042	Kent	WA	NaN%	Unknown	82/100
10	98101	Seattle	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
11	98102	Seattle	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
12	98103	Seattle	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
13	98104	Seattle	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
14	98105	Seattle	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
15	98106	Seattle	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
16	98107	Seattle	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
17	98108	Seattle	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
18	98109	Seattle	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
19	98112	Seattle	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
20	98115	Seattle	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
21	98116	Seattle	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
22	98117	Seattle	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
23	98118	Seattle	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
24	98119	Seattle	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
25	98121	Seattle	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
26	98122	Seattle	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
27	98125	Seattle	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
28	98126	Seattle	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
29	98133	Seattle	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
30	98134	Seattle	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
31	98136	Seattle	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
32	98144	Seattle	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
33	98146	Seattle	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
34	98148	Seattle	WA	NaN%	Unknown	99/100
35	98155	Seattle	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
36	98164	Seattle	WA	NaN%	Unknown	—
37	98166	Seattle	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
38	98168	Seattle	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
39	98177	Seattle	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
40	98178	Seattle	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
41	98188	Seattle	WA	NaN%	Unknown	99/100
42	98198	Seattle	WA	NaN%	Unknown	99/100
43	98199	Seattle	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
44	98201	Everett	WA	NaN%	Unknown	99/100
45	98203	Everett	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
46	98204	Everett	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
47	98207	Everett	WA	NaN%	Unknown	—
48	98208	Everett	WA	NaN%	Unknown	99/100
49	98402	Tacoma	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
50	98403	Tacoma	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
51	98404	Tacoma	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
52	98405	Tacoma	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
53	98406	Tacoma	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
54	98407	Tacoma	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
55	98408	Tacoma	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
56	98409	Tacoma	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
57	98418	Tacoma	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
58	98421	Tacoma	WA	NaN%	Unknown	99/100
59	98422	Tacoma	WA	NaN%	Unknown	99/100
60	98424	Tacoma	WA	NaN%	Unknown	99/100
61	98433	Tacoma	WA	NaN%	Unknown	83/100
62	98443	Tacoma	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
63	98444	Tacoma	WA	NaN%	Unknown	83/100
64	98445	Tacoma	WA	NaN%	Unknown	82/100
65	98446	Tacoma	WA	NaN%	Unknown	82/100
66	98465	Tacoma	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
67	98466	Tacoma	WA	NaN%	Unknown	100/100

Methodology

Infrastructure risk rankings combine four data sources, each weighted equally (25%): (1) EPA Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey (DWINS 2023) — state-level 20-year funding gap per capita for pipe replacement, treatment, and storage; (2) Census ACS housing vintage — percentage of homes built before 1980, when lead solder and galvanized pipes were common; (3) EPA SDWIS violation and enforcement data — system-level compliance history; (4) Lead and Copper Rule indicators — service line material inventories and 90th percentile lead testing results. The combined score is normalized to a 0-100% probability scale.

Data sources: EPA DWINS 2023, Census ACS, EPA SDWIS, Lead and Copper Rule data. Last updated: 2026-08-31.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does pipe failure probability mean?

Pipe failure probability estimates the likelihood of water main breaks, lead contamination from corroded pipes, or service disruptions based on infrastructure age, state funding gaps, violation history, and lead indicators. It is not a prediction of imminent failure, but a risk assessment based on known factors.

How is infrastructure risk calculated?

The risk score combines four equally weighted factors: state-level infrastructure funding gap per capita (from EPA DWINS 2023), housing vintage (Census ACS pre-1980 housing percentage), water system violation and enforcement history (EPA SDWIS), and lead exposure indicators (service line probability and testing results).

What can homeowners do about aging infrastructure?

Test your tap water annually, especially for lead. Check if your home has a lead service line through your water utility. Consider a whole-house water filter (NSF/ANSI 53 certified). Review your water system Consumer Confidence Report for violation history.

Does high risk mean my water is unsafe right now?

Not necessarily. Infrastructure risk indicates long-term vulnerability, not current contamination. However, areas with aging pipes and high violation counts have a statistically higher chance of water quality issues. Regular testing is the best way to verify your water safety.