Health Violations Found WA 1 HEALTH VIOLATION

Whitworth Water District 2

EPA ID: WA5396601 · 26,883 people served · 11 ZIP codes

Whitworth Water District 2 carries 3 open EPA violations that remain unresolved in the federal system — approximately 26,883 people fall within its service area.

Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-04-02

C · 65
Avg Safety Score
26,883
People Served
11
ZIP Codes Served
15
Violations (5yr)
Groundwater
Water Source
0.0035 mg/L
Max Lead Level
Zone 1
Radon Risk · High
9
Contaminants Flagged
$408K
Median Home Value in Service Area

Service Area Map

Coverage area for Whitworth Water District 2 Source: EPA SDWIS service area boundaries.

Service area boundary — Grade C

Service Area Demographics

$74,302
Median Household Income
192,907
Service Area Population
38%
Disadvantaged Population
53th
Poverty Percentile
45th
Energy Burden Percentile
53%
Pre-1986 Housing

The Whitworth Water District 2 serves a community with a median household income of $74,302 and an estimated 192,907 residents across its service area. Approximately 53% of housing stock was built before 1986, which increases the likelihood of lead service lines and older plumbing.

Environmental Justice Note: 38% of the population in this service area is classified as disadvantaged under EPA's EJScreen criteria. Communities with higher disadvantaged populations often face disproportionate environmental and health burdens, including aging water infrastructure and limited resources for remediation.

💧 Where Does Your Water Come From?

Groundwater

Whitworth Water District 2's water is pumped from underground aquifers. Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil, but it can be vulnerable to PFAS contamination, nitrates from agriculture, and industrial chemicals that seep into the water table.

Elevated Risk
Source Contamination Risk
29th
Wastewater Discharge Proximity
70th
Superfund Site Proximity

About 2% of homes in Spokane County, Washington rely on private wells rather than public water systems. Private well owners are responsible for their own water testing and treatment.

Superfund Proximity Note: This service area ranks in the 70th percentile nationally for proximity to Superfund (NPL) sites. Groundwater sources near contaminated sites may face elevated risk from industrial chemicals.

Infrastructure Risk

47 yr
Avg Pipe Age
Copper
Pipe Material
24 yr
Est. Remaining Life
Stable
Decay Status
Installed 66% of expected lifespan used End of life

Detected Contaminants

How Whitworth Water District 2 compares to EPA limits

Lead 3 mg/L (action level) (EXCEEDS LIMIT)
0 EPA Limit: 0.015 mg/L (action level)
Brain damage in children, kidney & blood pressure in adults
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) 1 mg/L (EXCEEDS LIMIT)
0 EPA Limit: 0.08 mg/L
Bladder & rectal cancer risk; reproductive concerns

What This Means For You

Lead at 3 mg/L (action level) exceeds the EPA maximum of 0.015 mg/L (action level). Brain damage in children, kidney & blood pressure in adults. Consider reverse osmosis filtration.

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) at 1 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of 0.08 mg/L. Bladder & rectal cancer risk; reproductive concerns. Consider granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration.

Stage 1 DBP Rule at 4 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.

Surface Water Treatment Rule at 4 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.

Total Organic Carbon at 2 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.

PFAS Detected in Service Area

PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in water serving this system's area. 39 detections recorded. 10 exceed federal EPA limits (4 ppt for PFOA/PFOS).

State limits: PFOA: 0.01 ppt, PFOS: 0.015 ppt, PFHxS: 0.065 ppt, PFBS: 0.345 ppt, HFPO-DA: 0.024 ppt
Health concern: PFAS are linked to cancer, thyroid disease, immune suppression, and developmental effects. They do not break down naturally.
Recommended filter: Reverse osmosis (RO) or activated carbon filters certified for PFAS removal. Find the right filter →

Lead was detected in this water system. reverse osmosis filtration can reduce exposure.

Find a certified water filter →

Comparable Water Systems

Similar-sized systems in Washington

B 0 violations
B 11 violations
A 2 violations
B 11 violations
A 0 violations

Estimated Remediation Costs

Average estimated costs across ZIP codes served by this system

Radon Mitigation Flood Insurance PFAS Treatment Water Filtration
Radon Mitigation $1,200
Flood Insurance $873
PFAS Treatment $536
Water Filtration $27
Total Estimated Cost $2,636

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.

Cost of Inaction

If water quality issues in this service area are not addressed, the estimated financial impact per household is:

Estimated Healthcare Costs $1,500

Annual per household (CDC est.)

PFAS Exposure — Lifetime Cost $1,000

Per person (emerging research est.)

Estimated Cumulative Cost Per Household

5 years
$7,665
10 years
$15,330
20 years
$30,660

Compare: Estimated remediation cost is $2,636 (one-time) vs. $15,330 in estimated inaction costs over 10 years.

Estimates based on published EPA, CDC, and peer-reviewed research. Individual costs vary by household size, property, and health factors. These are conservative lower-bound estimates intended for awareness, not financial advice.

System Overview

Whitworth Water District 2 (EPA ID: WA5396601) is a community water system in Washington that serves approximately 26,883 people from groundwater sources.

This system provides water to 11 ZIP codes across 7 communities.

Average Home Safety Score: C (65/100)

Based on water quality violations, lead levels, and radon risk across all ZIP codes served by this system.

Violation History

1 health-based violation recorded in the past 5 years. 3 remain unresolved.

Recent Violations

Date Contaminant Type Status
July 1, 2025 Surface Water Treatment Rule Monitoring Unresolved
December 1, 2024 Consumer Confidence Report Rule Monitoring Resolved
July 1, 2024 Surface Water Treatment Rule Monitoring Resolved
April 1, 2024 Total Organic Carbon Monitoring Unresolved
January 1, 2024 Lead Monitoring Resolved
October 1, 2023 Barium Monitoring Resolved
July 1, 2023 Surface Water Treatment Rule Monitoring Resolved
January 1, 2023 Stage 1 DBP Rule Monitoring Resolved
January 1, 2023 Total Organic Carbon Monitoring Resolved

Contaminants Detected

The following contaminants have been flagged in EPA records for this water system:

Contaminant Category Violations Health-Based
Stage 1 DBP Rule Treatment Failure 4 No
Surface Water Treatment Rule Treatment Failure 4 No
Lead Inorganic 3 No
Total Organic Carbon Disinfection Byproducts 2 No
Barium Inorganic 1 No
Contaminant 2440 Other Violation 1 No
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Disinfection Byproducts 1 No
Contaminant 2959 Other Violation 1 No
Consumer Confidence Report Rule Reporting Failure 1 Yes

Lead & Copper

EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data for ZIP codes served by this system:

ZIP Code Lead Level Exceeds Limit Sample Date
99003 0.0035 mg/L No N/A
99251 0.002 mg/L No N/A
99009 0.0013 mg/L No N/A
99021 0.0013 mg/L No N/A

Radon Risk in Service Area

Dominant radon zone for ZIP codes served by this system: Zone 1 (High Risk)

The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.

Need help with your water quality?

Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400

Find the Right Water Filter

Free tip: Let cold water run for 2 minutes before drinking — this helps flush lead from your pipes.

ZIP Codes Served

Coverage: Service area ZIP codes sourced from EPA Community Water System Service Area Boundaries v3 (March 2026 release). These ZIPs reflect the actual deployment footprint recorded by WA or modeled from parcel and building-footprint data.

Data Sources

This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View the full compliance record for Whitworth Water District 2 (WA5396601) on EPA.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Whitworth Water District 2 water safe to drink?

Whitworth Water District 2 has recorded 1 health-based violation in the past 5 years. While the system is required to treat water to meet federal standards, you may want to consider additional precautions such as a certified water filter.

How many people does Whitworth Water District 2 serve?

Whitworth Water District 2 serves approximately 26,883 people across 11 ZIP codes in Washington.

Where does Whitworth Water District 2 get its water?

The primary water source is groundwater.

Contact Your Water Utility

Public-record contact information for the water utility serving this system. Use these channels to request water quality reports, ask about service, or report issues directly.

Phone
509-466-0550
ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility, does not act as its agent, and does not provide customer support for it. Contact details shown are public-record information from CCR filings. For service issues, contact the utility directly using the information above.
Address
17401 N. Newport Road, Mead, WA 99021

Contact information from Whitworth Water District Consumer Confidence Report.

ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility, does not act as its agent, and does not provide customer support for it. Contact details shown are public-record information from CCR filings. For service issues, contact the utility directly using the information above.

Water Source & Treatment

Where this water originates and how it's treated before reaching your tap.

Source
Groundwater
Drawn from underground aquifers via wells.

Source: Whitworth Water District Consumer Confidence Report.

ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility. Treatment and source data are sourced from the utility's published CCR filings.

Federal UCMR5 PFAS Monitoring: Detected

This water system was tested under the federal EPA Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5). PFAS compounds were detected below the current state-enforceable MCL.

Samples collected
522
Detections
9
Latest sample
4/2/2024
Highest analyte
PFBS: 5.2 ppt
Analyte Max detected Current MCL Status
PFBS 5.2 ppt
PFOS 4.6 ppt 10 ppt Above 2029 federal MCL
PFPeA 3.5 ppt
PFHxA 3.1 ppt

Current MCL reflects the lowest state-enforceable limit (NYS 10 ppt for PFOA/PFOS, effective August 2020). The federal final MCL of 4 ppt for PFOA/PFOS (EPA April 2024 rule) is not enforceable until April 2029. Detections above 4 ppt but below 10 ppt are below current MCL but above the future federal limit.

Source: U.S. EPA UCMR5 (Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, 5th cycle) — per-system federal sampling, 2023–2025. EPA UCMR5 monitoring program →

Understand PFAS health context and filtration →

PFAS Substances Detected in This System

This water system's Consumer Confidence Report disclosed the following PFAS compounds. Levels are from the utility's most recent reporting cycle.

Substance Detected level EPA limit Status
PFOA
Perfluorooctanoic acid
EPA-regulated (2024 NPDWR)
3.78 ppt 4 ppt Below EPA limit
PFOS
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid
EPA-regulated (2024 NPDWR)
4.21 ppt 4 ppt Above EPA limit

In April 2024, EPA finalized the first National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for six PFAS. Public water systems have until 2029 to comply. EPA — PFAS regulation overview →

Source: Consumer Confidence Report disclosed by Whitworth Water District.

ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility. PFAS detection data is sourced from public Consumer Confidence Reports filed by the utility itself.

Learn more about PFAS health effects and filtration →

Lead Service Line Inventory

Service line breakdown reported under the federal Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) inventory requirement:

0
Confirmed Lead
19
Galvanized — Replacement Required
0
Unknown Material
179
Confirmed Non-Lead

Federal LCRI rule (effective October 2024) requires every public water system to inventory its service lines and complete lead-line replacement within 10 years.

Federal Regulatory Status · 2026Q1
LCRR inventory submission: Reported all required service line types
Latest tap sample on 2022-01-01 did not exceed the federal lead action level.
Population served: 26,883
Reported to Washington

Source: EPA SDWIS Federal Service Line Inventory (Phase 2) · Submitted 2026

ZipCheckup is not affiliated with the utility or state agency. Inventory figures render verbatim from the public LCRI submission cited above; ZipCheckup does not perform inspections or replacements.

Learn about lead in drinking water →

Hard water detected in Whitworth Water District

Your utility reported water hardness of 200 ppm CaCO₃ (11.7 grains per gallon) in its most recent Consumer Confidence Report. This is in the hard range and may cause scale buildup, reduced appliance lifespan, and dry skin or hair.

Solutions for hard water

There are three common approaches to treating hard water: salt-based ion-exchange softeners (most effective, require salt refills), salt-free conditioners (lower maintenance, scale prevention only), and reverse osmosis at the kitchen sink (cooking and drinking water only). Aquasana, EcoWater, Pelican, and SpringWell are among the major US brands.

Recommended Aquasana system for your hardness level

Paid Partner. ZipCheckup earns commission on Aquasana purchases. We do not test water or verify product effectiveness for specific hardness levels — manufacturer claims are theirs alone. Consult a certified water-quality professional for personalized advice.

Hardness data parsed from this utility's most recent Consumer Confidence Report. Severity bands per USGS hard water classification.

How Water Systems Appear in Rankings

Water systems are evaluated by violation history, contaminant detections, and service population. Larger systems with more service connections appear in more rankings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is water from Whitworth Water District 2 safe to drink?
Whitworth Water District 2 has a C safety grade based on 15 recorded violations. Some contaminants may exceed EPA limits — independent testing is recommended.
What contaminants are in Whitworth Water District 2's water?
Detected contaminants include Lead, Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM), Stage 1 DBP Rule, Surface Water Treatment Rule. Each is compared against EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) in the detailed breakdown above.
Should I use a water filter?
Given 5 contaminants above EPA limits, a certified water filter can provide an extra layer of protection. The best type depends on specific contaminants in your water.
How many people does Whitworth Water District 2 serve?
Whitworth Water District 2 serves approximately 26,883 people with drinking water across 11 ZIP codes.
What is Whitworth Water District 2's water source?
Whitworth Water District 2 draws water from groundwater sources. Source type affects which contaminants are most likely to be present.
Is there lead in Whitworth Water District 2's water?
The maximum detected lead level is 0.0035 mg/L. This is within EPA action level guidelines.
What is the demographic profile of Whitworth Water District 2's service area?
The Whitworth Water District 2 service area has a median household income of $74,302. EPA EJScreen data classifies 38% of the population as disadvantaged, which may indicate greater vulnerability to environmental health risks.
Where does Whitworth Water District 2 get its water?
Whitworth Water District 2's water is pumped from underground aquifers. Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil, but it can be vulnerable to PFAS contamination, nitrates from agriculture, and industrial chemicals that seep into the water table. Based on violation history and environmental factors, the source contamination risk is currently elevated.

What You Can Do

1

Test your water

Home test kits can detect lead, bacteria, and other contaminants at your tap. Find the right filter →

2

Check your specific ZIP code

Water quality can vary within a system. View nearest ZIP report →

3

Contact your utility

Whitworth Water District 2 (EPA ID: WA5396601) — request the latest Consumer Confidence Report or ask about specific contaminants.

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