Cathlamet Water Department
EPA ID: WA5311850 · 1,636 people served · 4 ZIP codes
Even though Cathlamet Water Department accumulated 5 violations over five years, all have been formally resolved — the provider currently meets EPA standards for 1,636 people.
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-04-02
Service Area Map
Coverage area for Cathlamet Water Department Source: EPA SDWIS service area boundaries.
Service area boundary — Grade B
Service Area Demographics
The Cathlamet Water Department serves a community with a median household income of $59,157 and an estimated 4,340 residents across its service area. Approximately 68% of housing stock was built before 1986, which increases the likelihood of lead service lines and older plumbing.
🌊 Where Does Your Water Come From?
Cathlamet Water Department's water is drawn from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs. Surface water sources are more exposed to agricultural runoff, stormwater, and upstream discharges, but they typically receive more intensive treatment before reaching your tap.
About 6% of homes in Wahkiakum County, Washington rely on private wells rather than public water systems. Private well owners are responsible for their own water testing and treatment.
Infrastructure Risk
Detected Contaminants
How Cathlamet Water Department compares to EPA limits
What This Means For You
Surface Water Treatment Rule at 3 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.
E. coli at 2 Zero tolerance (any positive sample triggers immediate action) exceeds the EPA maximum of Zero tolerance (any positive sample triggers immediate action). Severe GI illness; potentially fatal kidney failure in children. Consider UV disinfection (99.99%) filtration.
E. coli was detected in this water system. UV disinfection (99.99%) filtration can reduce exposure.
Find a certified water filter →Comparable Water Systems
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Estimated Remediation Costs
Average estimated costs across ZIP codes served by this system
Based on national averages for common remediation projects. Actual costs vary by property. Only issues flagged by EPA, FEMA, or state data for each ZIP code are included.
System Overview
Cathlamet Water Department (EPA ID: WA5311850) is a community water system in Washington that serves approximately 1,636 people from surface water sources.
This system provides water to 4 ZIP codes across 4 communities.
Average Home Safety Score: B (71/100)
Based on water quality violations, lead levels, and radon risk across all ZIP codes served by this system.
Violation History
Recent Violations
| Date | Contaminant | Type | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 1, 2025 | E. coli | Monitoring | Resolved |
| July 1, 2025 | Surface Water Treatment Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
| July 1, 2024 | Surface Water Treatment Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
| July 1, 2023 | Surface Water Treatment Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
Contaminants Detected
The following contaminants have been flagged in EPA records for this water system:
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Failure | 3 | No |
| E. coli | Microbiological | 2 | No |
Lead & Copper
EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data for ZIP codes served by this system:
| ZIP Code | Lead Level | Exceeds Limit | Sample Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 98612 | 0.001 mg/L | No | N/A |
Radon Risk in Service Area
Dominant radon zone for ZIP codes served by this system: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Need help with your water quality?
Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400
Find the Right Water FilterFree tip: Let cold water run for 2 minutes before drinking — this helps flush lead from your pipes.
ZIP Codes Served
Coverage: 3 ZIP codes confirmed via EPA Community Water System Service Area Boundaries v3 plus 1 additional ZIP inferred from SDWIS registry data. The EPA-confirmed set is the most reliable; SDWIS-inferred entries may be narrower than the real deployment area.
Data Sources
This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View the full compliance record for Cathlamet Water Department (WA5311850) on EPA.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cathlamet Water Department water safe to drink?
Cathlamet Water Department has only monitoring/reporting violations, which are procedural in nature. The system meets federal health-based standards.
How many people does Cathlamet Water Department serve?
Cathlamet Water Department serves approximately 1,636 people across 4 ZIP codes in Washington.
Where does Cathlamet Water Department get its water?
The primary water source is surface water.
Frequently Asked Questions
What You Can Do
Test your water
Home test kits can detect lead, bacteria, and other contaminants at your tap. Find the right filter →
Check your specific ZIP code
Water quality can vary within a system. View nearest ZIP report →
Contact your utility
Cathlamet Water Department (EPA ID: WA5311850) — request the latest Consumer Confidence Report or ask about specific contaminants.