Water Quality

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Water Quality

Read our latest Water Quality Report to learn about water quality and how the water system works.

Where does your water come from?

All of Tumwater's drinking water comes from groundwater. To get groundwater, the City operates twelve wells in three different well fields. The City also operates one satellite water system in the Lakeland Manor neighborhood. The three primary well fields are:

Palermo well field located in the Deschutes River valley;
Bush well field located near Bush Middle School; and
Port well field located in the vicinity of City Hall and the Olympia Airport.

To protect our wells, wellhead protection areas have been established which restrict certain land use activities that may contaminate our drinking water. To learn more about the City’s Wellhead Protection Program, visit our wellhead protection webpage.

Different water treatments are used to create clean drinking water. Water at Bush and Palermo are aerated. Aeration helps with corrosion control and removes potential compounds that can pollute groundwater. Corrosion control is a treatment that prevents metals being released from water pipes and into the drinking water. Chlorine is added to all sources, except Lakeland Manor. This controls naturally occurring bacteria.

In the unlikely event of a water emergency, the Tumwater system has two connections with the City of Olympia and one with Lakeland Manor. These connections allow the Tumwater system to receive water from the City of Olympia when additional water is needed. The Lakeland Manor connection allows the City to deliver water to Lakeland Manor when this system needs water.

Microbial contaminants, such as viruses, parasites, and bacteria may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, or wildlife.

Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, can occur naturally or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.

Pesticides and herbicides, may come from various sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses.

Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production. They can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems.

Radioactive contaminants, which can occur naturally or result from oil and gas production and mining activities.

How often do we sample?

How often we collect samples to monitor our drinking water quality is determined by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). Sampling is performed daily with over 15 samples a week, on average.

Source Sampling Frequency

Contaminant or Contaminant Group;	Source;	;Sampling Frequency
Nitrate	All	Yearly
Pesticides	All except Lakeland Manor	Every 3 years
Soil Fumigants	All except Lakeland Manor	Every 3 years
Complete Inorganic (IOC)	All	Every 9 years
Herbicides	All	Every 9 years
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)	Palermo wellfield Wells 9 and 10 (Port wellfield)	Every 3 years
	Wells 11 and 15 (Port wellfield) Bush wellfield	Every 6 years
	Lakeland Manor	Every 9 years
Gross Alpha and Radium 228	All	Every 6 years
PFAS*	All	Every 3 years

*Read Facts about PFAS for more information. PDF file

Distribution System Sampling Frequency

Contaminant or Contaminant Group	Number of Samples	Sampling Frequency
Coliform	71	Monthly
Lead and Copper	35	Every 3 years
Total Trihalomethane (THM)	2	Annually
Halo-Acetic Acids (HAA5)	2	Annually
Asbestos	1	Every 9 years

Water Quality Results

2019-2023 Source Water Sampling

Source Water Sampling

The following tables show water quality results for the City of Tumwater (WA DOH WSID 89700) and Lakeland Manor (WA DOH WSID 450874) water systems from 2019-2023. They list all the contaminants detected, their concentrations, possible sources, and the year each compound was detected. The presence of contaminants in the water does not mean the water poses a health risk.

City of Tumwater

Inorganic Contaminants
Primary drinking water standards regulated by EPA to protect public health
Contaminant	Units	MCLG or MRDLG	MCL, TT or MRDL	Your Water		Sample Year	Meets Standard	Potential Source
Contaminant	Units	MCLG or MRDLG	MCL, TT or MRDL	Average	Range	Sample Year	Meets Standard	Potential Source
Barium	ppm	2	2	0.003	0.002- 0.005	2021	Yes	Erosion of natural deposits
Nitrate¹	ppm	10	10	1.08	0.73-1.48	2023	Yes	Naturally occurring, found in groundwater, typically from agricultural run-off.
Gross Beta	pCi/L	50*	0	1.49	ND - 1.49	2022	Yes	Decay of naturally radioactive deposits and/or human-made radioactive materials
PFBS⁴	ppt	HI < 1	HI < 1	0.0009	0-0.003	2023	Yes	Human-made Chemicals

*The MCL for beta particles is 4 mrem/year. EPA considers 50 pCi/L to be the level of concern for beta particles.

Secondary drinking water standards regulated by EPA for aesthetics (taste, color, etc.)
Contaminant	Units	SMCL	Your Water		Sample Year	Meets Standard	*Potential Source*
Contaminant	Units	SMCL	Average	Range	Sample Year	Meets Standard	*Potential Source*
Chloride	ppm	250	4.6	4.0-5.3	2021	Yes	Naturally occurring
Iron	ppb	300	20	20	2021	Yes	Naturally occurring
Manganese	ppb	50	11	11	2021	Yes	Naturally occurring
Sulfate	ppm	250	4.1	3.2-5.2	2021	Yes	Naturally occurring
Total Dissolved Solids	ppm	500	114	102-129	2021	Yes	Naturally occurring

Additional monitoring required by the State of Washington
Contaminant	Units	SAL	Your Water		Sample Year	Meets Standard	*Potential Source*
Contaminant	Units	SAL	Average	Range	Sample Year	Meets Standard	*Potential Source*
Hardness²	ppm		59.6	41.7-69.7	2021		Naturally occurring
Sodium³	ppm		6.21	5.54-7.08	2021		Naturally occurring
PFPeA⁴	ppt	N/A	2.19	ND-2.19	2022	Yes	Human-made Chemical

Lakeland Manor

Inorganic Contaminants
Primary drinking water standards regulated by EPA to protect public health
Contaminant	Units	MCLG or MRDLG	MCL, TT or MRDL	Your Water	Sample Year	Meets Standard	Potential Source
Contaminant	Units	MCLG or MRDLG	MCL, TT or MRDL		Sample Year	Meets Standard	Potential Source
Arsenic⁵	ppb	0	10	1	2019	Yes	Erosion of natural deposits
Barium	ppm	2	2	0.003	2019	Yes	Erosion of natural deposits
Copper	ppm	1.3	1.3	0.005	2019	Yes	Erosion of natural deposits
Nitrate¹	ppm	10	10	0.98	2019	Yes	Naturally occurring, found in groundwater, typically from agricultural run-off.

Lakeland Manor water system was tested for PFAS in 2023. No PFAS were detected.

Secondary drinking water standards regulated by EPA for aesthetics (taste, color, etc.)
Contaminant	Units	SMCL	Your Water	Sample Year	Meets Standard	Potential Source
Contaminant	Units	SMCL		Sample Year	Meets Standard	Potential Source
Chloride	ppm	250	2.5	2019	Yes	Naturally occurring
Conductivity	Umhos/cm	700	119	2019	Yes	Naturally occurring
Sulfate	ppm	250	3.9	2019	Yes	Naturally occurring
Total Dissolved Solids	ppm	500	100	2019	Yes	Naturally occurring
Zinc	ppm	500	5	2019	Yes	Naturally occurring

Additional monitoring required by the State of Washington
Contaminant	Units	SAL	Your Water	Sample Year	Meets Standard	Potential Source

Hardness²	ppm	-	47.2	2019	Yes	Naturally occurring
Sodium³	ppm	-	5.32	2019	Yes	Naturally occurring

¹Nitrate is a chemical found in most fertilizers, manure, and liquid waste discharged from septic tanks. Natural bacteria in soil can convert nitrogen into nitrate. Rain or irrigation water can carry nitrate down through the soil into groundwater. Your drinking water may contain nitrate if your well draws from this groundwater.

²Hardness The simple definition of water hardness is the amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium in the water. Hard water is high in dissolved minerals, largely calcium and magnesium. General guidelines for classification of waters are: 0 to 60 mg/L (milligrams per liter) as calcium carbonate is classified as soft; 61 to 120 mg/L as moderately hard; 121 to 180 mg/L as hard; and more than 180 mg/L as very hard.

³Sodium Although the state board of health has not established MCLs for sodium, there is sufficient public health significance connected with sodium levels to require inclusion in inorganic chemical and physical source monitoring. The EPA has also established a recommended level of twenty mg/L for sodium as a level of concern for those consumers that may be restricted for daily sodium intake in their diets.

⁴PFBS and PFPeA are just two of a large family of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances often referred to as PFAS. They are human-made chemicals in use since the 1950s to make a wide variety of stain-resistant, water-resistant, and non-stick consumer products. Some examples include food packaging, outdoor clothing, and non-stick pans. PFAS also have many industrial uses because of their special properties. In Washington State, PFAS have been used in certain types of firefighting foams utilized by the U.S. military, local fire departments, and airports. PFAS are a public health concern because they:

Can impact human health.
Can build up in animals, fish, birds, plants, and people.
Don’t break down in water, soil, or air.
Can travel large distances in water or air.
Not all PFAS have the same impact on people or the environment.

⁵Arsenic Your drinking water currently meets EPA’s standard for arsenic. However, it does contain low levels of arsenic. There is a small chance that some people who drink water containing low levels of arsenic for many years could develop circulatory disease, cancer, or other health problems. Most types of cancer and circulatory disease are due to factors other than exposure to arsenic. EPA’s standard balances the current understanding of arsenic’s health effects against the cost of removing arsenic from drinking water.

2019-2023 Distribution System Sampling

Distribution System Sampling

The following tables show water quality results in the City of Tumwater’s distribution system for 2023. They list all their concentrations, possible sources, and the year each compound was detected. The presence of contaminants in the water does not mean the water poses a health risk.

Primary drinking water standards regulated by EPA to protect public health
Contaminant	MCLG or MRDLG	MCL, TT or MRDL	Your Water		Sample Date	*Meets Standards*	*Potential Sources*
			*Average*	*Range*
Chlorine residual (ppm)	4	4	0.36	0.20-0.59	2022	Yes	Water additive used to control bacteria
Disinfectant Byproduct
*Contaminant*	*MCLG or MRDLG*	*MCL, TT or MRDL*	*Your Water*		*Sample Date*	*Meets Standards*	*Potential Sources*
			Average	Range
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM)(ppb)	-	80	5.18	0.06 - 10.4	2022	Yes	Byproduct of drinking water disinfection
Haloacetic acids (HAA5) (ppb)	-	60	1.4	ND - 1.4	2023	Yes	Byproduct of drinking water disinfection

Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and haloacetic acids (HAA5) are groups of disinfection byproducts. These form when chlorine compounds, used to disinfect water, react with other naturally occurring chemicals in the water. They are colorless and will evaporate out of the water into the air.

2021-2022 Tap Sampling

Tap Sampling

The following table details water quality results form samples collected at our customers' taps. Are you interested in learning more about tap sampling or volunteering to have your sampled? Visit our Lead and Copper Testing webpage. Visit our Lead and Copper Testing webpage.

2022 City of Tumwater

Primary drinking water standards regulated by the EPA to protect public health
Contaminant	Units	Action level	MCLG	Number of homes sampled	2022 90^th percentile results	Homes exceeding the action level	*Potential Source of Contaminant*
Copper	ppb	1,300	1,300	30	166	0	Corrosion of household plumbing
Lead	ppb	15	0	30	8.6	1	Corrosion of household plumbing

2021 Lakeland Manor

Primary drinking water standards regulated by the EPA to protect public health
Contaminant	Units	Action level	MCLG	Number of homes sampled	2022 90^th percentile results	Homes exceeding the action level	*Potential Source of Contaminant*
Copper	ppb	1,300	1,300	6	216	0	Corrosion of household plumbing
Lead	ppb	15	0	6	0.012	0	Corrosion of household plumbing

Lead in drinking water usually comes from water distribution lines or household plumbing rather than lakes, wells, or streams. Lead from other sources, such as ingesting old-paint chips or dust, can contribute to overall lead exposure.

Compliance Violations for 2023

Compliance Violations for 2023

The City of Tumwater Water Quality Report and Lakeland Manor Water System Supplemental Letter was delivered late to the WA Department of Health. It was due on July 1^st but was not delivered until July 24, 2023. This delay did not affect the water delivery or quality of either system.
The Lakeland Manor Water System Water Quality Report Supplemental Letter was delivered late to customers. Due July 1^st, it was not delivered until July 19, 2023. This delay did not affect the water delivery or quality.

Acronyms and Definitions

Acronyms and Definitions

Lead and Copper 90^th Percentile: Out of every ten homes sampled, nine were at or below this level.

Action Level: The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.

Aeration: Drinking water treatment that uses air to dissolve gases or volatile compounds and raise the pH of drinking water.

Contaminant: Contaminants, as seen in this table, are not all "bad." Contaminants are anything found in your water other than hydrogen and oxygen, which make up water, and can be both healthy and unhealthy, depending on the particular substance and quantity.

Distribution System: Water supply network that delivers potable water from a treatment plant or wells to water consumers.

EPA: United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Hazard Index (HI): The Hazard Index is made up of a sum of fractions. Each fraction compares the level of each substance measured in the water to the highest level determined not to have risk of health effects. For how to determine the hazard index, see the EPA’s “How Do I Calculate the Hazard Index?” PDF file

Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology.

Maximum Contaminant Level Goal or MCLG: The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL): The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG): The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.

mg/L: milligrams per liter

ppm: one part per million = 1 mg/L

ppb: parts per billion

ppt: parts per trillion

Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level (SMCL): These standards are developed to protect the aesthetic qualities of drinking water and are not health based.

State Action Level (SAL): means the concentration of a contaminant or group of contaminants, without an MCL, established to protect public health in accordance with WAC 246-290-315 and which, if exceeded, triggers actions a purveyor takes in accordance with WAC 246-290-320.

Treatment Technique (TT): A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.

Drinking Water & Vulnerable Persons

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immunocompromised persons, such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA and CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1(800) 426-4791.

Lead in Drinking Water

In Washington State, lead in drinking water comes primarily from materials and components used in household plumbing. The more time water has been sitting in pipes, the more dissolved metals, such as lead, it may contain. Elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially in pregnant women and young children. To help reduce potential exposure to lead: Any drinking water tap that has not been used for six hours or more, flush water through the tap until the water is noticeably colder before using for drinking or cooking. You can use the flushed water for watering plants, washing dishes, or general cleaning. Only use water from the cold-water tap for drinking, cooking, and especially for making baby formula. Hot water is likely to contain higher levels of lead.

If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water is available from on the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water page or contact their Hotline at 1(800) 426-4791.

Tap & Bottled Water Information

Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).

To ensure that tap water is safe to drink, DOH and EPA prescribe regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Washington Department of Agriculture regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that must provide the same protection for public health.

Learn More...

For more information about groundwater, drinking water and possible contaminants including cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants, and potential health effects, visit the US Environmental Protection Agency or call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1(800) 426-4791.

Washington Department of Health, Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP) has compiled data for all community Public Water Systems in Washington. You can find information about your water system on the Washington State Department of Health website.

Contact Us

For questions about the City of Tumwater, Water System ID (WSID) # 89700 or Lakeland Manor, WSID #450874, please contact Steve Craig, Utilities Operations Manager, at (360) 754-4150.

For public participation opportunities contact the Water Resources and Sustainability Department by calling (360) 754-4140 or by email.