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State Report

Water & Air Quality in Washington

Regional composite data for PFAS, lead, and PM2.5 in Washington. Values are derived from EPA UCMR 5, EWG Tap Water Database, and AirNow annual averages. Check your specific ZIP code below for localized results.

PFAS

1.4 ppt
35% of EPA 4 ppt limit
Clean

Lead

3.4 ppb
23% of EPA 15 ppb action level
OK

PM2.5

8 µg/m³
89% of EPA 9 µg/m³ standard
OK

Washington Context

Clean source water from Cascades; wildfire smoke drives summer PM2.5 spikes.

Check Your Specific ZIP Code in Washington

State averages mask wide local variation. Your ZIP code may be significantly cleaner or more contaminated than the state composite — especially near industrial sites, military bases, or older housing stock.

Audit Washington ZIP 98101 →

Or go to the home page and enter any Washington ZIP code.

What These Numbers Mean for Washington Residents

PFAS in Washington Drinking Water

Washington's regional PFAS composite is 1.4 parts per trillion (ppt), which is at or below the EPA's 2024 enforceable limit of 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS. That said, the EPA limit reflects what's technically achievable — the agency's health goal is zero, and any PFAS exposure carries some risk given their persistence in the body.

Lead in Washington Tap Water

Lead contamination in Washington averages 3.4 ppb at the 90th percentile. This is within the EPA's action level but above the zero health goal. Lead pipes in pre-1986 homes remain the primary risk factor — consider an NSF 53-certified filter as a precaution.

PM2.5 Air Quality in Washington

Washington's annual average PM2.5 is 8 µg/m³. This meets the EPA annual standard (9 µg/m³) but exceeds the stricter WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³. A HEPA air purifier in sleeping areas is recommended, particularly for children and people with respiratory conditions.

Filtration Recommendations for Washington

  • Lead concern: Any NSF 53-certified carbon block filter removes lead at the tap. An RO system covers both PFAS and lead. Shop Berkey →

Washington Water & Air Resources

EWG Tap Water Database

Search Washington utility test results for PFAS and other contaminants.

EPA AirNow

Real-time PM2.5 and AQI data for Washington cities.

Consumer Confidence Reports

Your Washington utility's annual water quality disclosure.

Want to go deeper? Read our evidence-based articles on PFAS health effects, water filter comparisons, and PM2.5 air quality. Or audit your specific ZIP code for localized results.