US Water Score: A
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA MCL | Health Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead |
15.5
|
15 ppb | 1 ppb | |
| Copper |
3650.0
|
1300 ppb | 300 ppb |
UCMR5 occurrence results are screening information, not a finding of regulatory compliance or noncompliance. PFAS rules and compliance dates are evolving.
| Compound | Level | EPA MCL | Health Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFBA | 21.1 ppt | No standard | 500 ppt | No federal MCL shown |
Water Quality Summary
Tap water quality in Mount Vernon, Washington (98273) receives an overall grade of A (Lower record-based concern) with a score of 90 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is roughly in line with the Washington state average of 91. Compared to the national average (75), this area performs significantly better. The area is served by 60 water systems providing water to approximately 111,415 people, using surface water and groundwater sources. PFAS testing detected 1 compound, all below the EPA final MCL values used for comparison. Over the past 5 years, water systems here have accumulated 130 violations, including 61 health-based violations.
A score of 90/100 means public water-system records for Mount Vernon, WA show relatively few concerns in the US Water Score model. This is an internal score, not an EPA safety rating, and it does not guarantee conditions at any specific tap.
Health Information
Lead is a toxic metal that can leach from aging pipes and plumbing fixtures.
Even low levels of lead exposure can cause developmental delays in children, kidney damage, and cardiovascular effects in adults. The EPA action level is 15 ppb, but health experts recommend no safe level of lead in drinking water.
Lead enters water primarily through corrosion of lead service lines, lead solder, and brass fixtures — especially in homes built before 1986.
If lead is detected above 1 ppb, consider using a certified lead-removal filter (NSF/ANSI 53) for drinking and cooking water. Run cold water for 30 seconds before use if water has been sitting in pipes.
Copper can leach into water from copper plumbing, especially in newer homes or when water is acidic.
Short-term exposure above 1,300 ppb can cause gastrointestinal distress. Long-term exposure may cause liver or kidney damage. People with Wilson's disease are especially vulnerable.
Copper pipes, fittings, and faucets are the most common source. Corrosive (low-pH) water accelerates copper leaching.
If copper levels are elevated, flush pipes by running water for 15–30 seconds before use. Reverse osmosis and distillation systems effectively remove copper.
Common Questions
Based on public water-system records, Mount Vernon, Washington receives an internal US Water Score grade of A (Lower record-based concern) with a score of 90/100. This indicates relatively few system-level concerns in our model, but it is not an EPA safety rating and does not guarantee tap conditions inside individual homes.
ZIP code 98273 is served by 60 water systems using surface water, groundwater sources, providing water to approximately 111,415 people. Multiple source types mean your water may come from a blend of surface and underground sources.
Lead levels in the public-system record for Mount Vernon, Washington are 15.5 ppb, above the currently applicable EPA action level of 15 ppb. EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements lower that action level to 10 ppb when the new requirements take effect. This system-level result does not measure an individual tap; consider a certified lead-removal filter and independent tap testing.
1 PFAS compound were detected in water serving Mount Vernon, Washington, with reported values below the EPA final MCL values used by this site. This comparison is informational: federal compliance timelines and the status of some PFAS standards are still evolving. Activated carbon or reverse osmosis filters can reduce some PFAS when appropriately certified and maintained.
Water systems serving Mount Vernon, Washington have received 130 violations in the last 5 years, including 61 health-based violations. Violations can range from paperwork issues (monitoring & reporting) to serious health-based violations where contaminant levels exceeded safe limits. Review the violation details above for specifics.
Based on detected contaminants (lead, PFAS, copper), residents in Mount Vernon, Washington should consider: Reverse osmosis (RO) system — most effective for PFAS, lead, and other contaminants. Always look for filters with NSF/ANSI certification for the specific contaminants you want to remove.
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