Tacoma, Washington Tap Water Quality Report
Serving utility: City of Tacoma
Updated March 2026 • Data from EWG Tap Water Database & EPA SDWIS
High Priority Concerns
Tacoma tap water has 13 contaminants exceeding EWG health guidelines, including Haloacetic acids (HAA9), Arsenic, Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs). Additionally, 14 known or suspected carcinogens were detected, including Haloacetic acids (HAA9), Arsenic, Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs).
Water Provider Information
Contaminants Detected
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EWG Guideline | Legal Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) carcinogen | 5.94 ppb | 0.06 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Arsenic carcinogen | 0.36 ppb | 0.00 ppb | 10 ppb | Above guideline |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) carcinogen | 9.81 ppb | 0.15 ppb | 80 ppb | Above guideline |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) carcinogen | 3.81 ppb | 0.10 ppb | 60 ppb | Above guideline |
| Bromodichloromethane carcinogen | 1.48 ppb | 0.06 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Chloroform carcinogen | 7.80 ppb | 0.40 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Nitrate and nitrite carcinogen | 2.52 ppm | 0.14 ppm | 10 ppm | Above guideline |
| Nitrate carcinogen | 2.22 ppm | 0.14 ppm | 10 ppm | Above guideline |
| Trichloroacetic acid carcinogen | 1.50 ppb | 0.10 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Dichloroacetic acid carcinogen | 1.71 ppb | 0.20 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Chromium (hexavalent) carcinogen | 0.16 ppb | 0.02 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Dibromochloromethane carcinogen | 0.15 ppb | 0.10 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Bromate carcinogen | 0.10 ppb | 0.10 ppb | 10 ppb | Above guideline |
| Aluminum | 0.82 ppb | 600 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Bromoform carcinogen | 0.01 ppb | 0.50 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Chlorate | 70.10 ppb | 210 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Fluoride | 0.27 ppm | N/A | 4 ppm | Below guideline |
| Manganese | 13.90 ppb | 100 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Monobromoacetic acid | 0.02 ppb | 25 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Monochloroacetic acid | 0.24 ppb | 53 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Strontium | 0.07 ppb | 1,500 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Trichloroethylene | 0.30 ppb | 0.40 ppb | 5 ppb | Below guideline |
| Vanadium | 1.52 ppb | 21 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
Health Context
Haloacetic acids (HAA9) carcinogen
Exposure to elevated levels of this contaminant may pose health risks. See EWG and EPA guidelines for more information.
Arsenic carcinogen
Long-term exposure increases risk of skin cancer, bladder cancer, and lung cancer; chronic exposure causes neurological effects and cardiovascular disease.
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) carcinogen
Exposure to elevated levels of this contaminant may pose health risks. See EWG and EPA guidelines for more information.
Haloacetic acids (HAA5) carcinogen
Exposure to elevated levels of this contaminant may pose health risks. See EWG and EPA guidelines for more information.
Bromodichloromethane carcinogen
Bromodichloromethane is a trihalomethane (THM) disinfection byproduct that damages liver and kidneys with chronic exposure. EPA classifies it as a probable human carcinogen based on animal carcinogenicity data.
Recommended Filtration for This Water
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Shop Hydrogen FlaskFrequently Asked Questions
Is Tacoma tap water safe to drink?
Tacoma tap water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water. However, 13 contaminants exceed stricter EWG health guidelines, and 14 known carcinogens were detected. While legally compliant, additional filtration is recommended for optimal safety.
What contaminants are in Tacoma water?
A total of 23 contaminants were detected in Tacoma tap water, including Haloacetic acids (HAA9), Arsenic. Of these, 13 exceed EWG health guidelines.
What's the best water filter for Tacoma?
For Tacoma tap water, we recommend a reverse osmosis (RO) system for drinking water — it removes up to 99.9% of contaminants including heavy metals, PFAS, and disinfection byproducts. For shower and bath water, a whole-home filtration system reduces chlorine and volatile organics.
Where does Tacoma get its water?
Tacoma tap water is provided by City of Tacoma, serving approximately 448,771 people. For detailed source water information, contact your local utility or visit the EPA's SDWIS database.
Nearby City Water Reports
Data sources: Environmental Working Group (EWG) Tap Water Database, U.S. EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
Last updated: March 2026
Methodology: Contaminant levels are compared against both EPA legal limits (Maximum Contaminant Levels) and EWG health guidelines, which are often stricter and based on the latest scientific research.
