Vancouver, Washington Tap Water Quality Report
Serving utility: City of Vancouver
Updated March 2026 • Data from EWG Tap Water Database & EPA SDWIS
High Priority Concerns
Vancouver tap water has 14 contaminants exceeding EWG health guidelines, including Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS), Total PFOS and PFOA, Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Additionally, 12 known or suspected carcinogens were detected, including Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS).
Water Provider Information
Contaminants Detected
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EWG Guideline | Legal Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS) | 4.36 ppt | 0.00 ppt | 10 ppt | Above guideline |
| Total PFOS and PFOA | 20.90 ppt | 0.01 ppt | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) carcinogen | 4.64 ppt | 0.09 ppt | 4 ppt | Above guideline |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) carcinogen | 6.54 ppb | 0.15 ppb | 80 ppb | Above guideline |
| Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) carcinogen | 11.10 ppt | 0.30 ppt | 4 ppt | Above guideline |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) carcinogen | 2.12 ppb | 0.06 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Nitrate carcinogen | 3.63 ppm | 0.14 ppm | 10 ppm | Above guideline |
| Bromodichloromethane carcinogen | 1.52 ppb | 0.06 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Dibromochloromethane carcinogen | 1.54 ppb | 0.10 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Chromium (hexavalent) carcinogen | 0.28 ppb | 0.02 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) carcinogen | 1.10 ppb | 0.10 ppb | 60 ppb | Above guideline |
| Chloroform carcinogen | 1.32 ppb | 0.40 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Dibromoacetic acid | 0.09 ppb | 0.03 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Bromoform carcinogen | 0.72 ppb | 0.50 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| 1,4-Dioxane carcinogen | 0.06 ppb | 0.35 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Chlorate | 19.10 ppb | 210 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Chlorodifluoromethane | 0.04 ppb | N/A | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Manganese | 0.11 ppb | 100 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| PFOS + PFOA + PFHxS + PFNA | 26.10 ppt | N/A | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) | 4.29 ppt | 2,000 ppt | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHPA) | 0.66 ppt | 1,000 ppt | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Perfluorohexanoic Acid (PFHxA) | 2.76 ppt | 1,000 ppt | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Perfluoropentanoic Acid (PFPeA) | 1.90 ppt | 1,000 ppt | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Strontium | 0.11 ppb | 1,500 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Vanadium | 5.58 ppb | 21 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
Health Context
Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS)
Exposure to elevated levels of this contaminant may pose health risks. See EWG and EPA guidelines for more information.
Total PFOS and PFOA
Exposure to elevated levels of this contaminant may pose health risks. See EWG and EPA guidelines for more information.
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) carcinogen
Exposure to elevated levels of this contaminant may pose health risks. See EWG and EPA guidelines for more information.
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) carcinogen
Exposure to elevated levels of this contaminant may pose health risks. See EWG and EPA guidelines for more information.
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) carcinogen
Exposure to elevated levels of this contaminant may pose health risks. See EWG and EPA guidelines for more information.
Recommended Filtration for This Water
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Shop Hydrogen FlaskFrequently Asked Questions
Is Vancouver tap water safe to drink?
Vancouver tap water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water. However, 14 contaminants exceed stricter EWG health guidelines, and 12 known carcinogens were detected. While legally compliant, additional filtration is recommended for optimal safety.
What contaminants are in Vancouver water?
A total of 25 contaminants were detected in Vancouver tap water, including Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS), Total PFOS and PFOA. Of these, 14 exceed EWG health guidelines.
What's the best water filter for Vancouver?
For Vancouver 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 Vancouver get its water?
Vancouver tap water is provided by City of Vancouver, serving approximately 373,047 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.
