SPOKANE WATER QUALITY
Annual Water Quality Reports: What You Need to Know
In the 2023 Water Quality Report, the City of Spokane, Washington, collected 2,000 samples to ensure the drinking water was as clean as possible. Public information shows the following contaminants that can affect the population’s health:
Source water testing revealed average levels of arsenic, barium, nitrate, and radium within the maximum contaminant level (MCL) ranges caused by the erosion of natural deposits. End-of-pipe testing detected total trihalomethanes below the MCL level.
In-house testing also detects the chemicals lead and copper, but within MCL levels, which may have been caused by the corrosion of household plumbing systems and the erosion of natural deposits.
At two well locations, the City of Spokane has detected PFAS/PFOA levels below the state’s action levels and above the recently announced EPA standards.
The Environmental Working Group, an American activist and non-profit organization, states that the legal limits for contaminants must be updated. With their updated standards, ten contaminants exceed the EWG limits.
| Contaminants | Contaminant Level | MCL | EWG Standards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenic | 3.43 ppb | 10 ppb | 0.004 ppb |
| Bromodichloromethane | 0.482 ppb | No legal limit | 0.06 ppb |
| Chromium (hexavalent) | 0.260 ppb | No legal limit | 0.02 ppb |
| Dibromochloromethane | 0.666 ppb | No legal limit | 0.1 ppb |
| Haloacetic acids | 0.557 ppb | No legal limit | 0.06 ppb |
| (HAA9) | |||
| Nitrate | 1.79 ppm | 10 ppm | 0.14 ppm |
| Nitrate and nitrite | 1.29 ppm | 10 ppm | 0.14 ppm |
| Radium, combined (-226 & -228) | 0.20 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L | 0.05 pCi/L |
| Radon | 411.70 pCi/L | No legal limit | 1.5 pCi/L |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 2.06 ppb | 80 ppb | 0.15 ppb |
PFAS levels are detected in Spokane water that are higher than the proposed limit of EWG.
Spokane's Drinking Water Sources and Treatment
Spokane’s sole source aquifer since 1978 is the underground Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie (SVRP) Aquifer. Wells are located throughout the city to draw water from the aquifer, while storage tanks, reservoirs, and booster stations move the water to higher elevations. Because the water is pure enough to be pumped directly from the ground, it requires no treatment except adding chlorine to maintain purity throughout the pipe distribution.
The City of Spokane performs water quality tests yearly, including maintaining water mains, valves, and meters and monitoring the distribution system from a 24-hour control center.
Measures are in place to protect the aquifer from various water sources, including the Spokane River and stormwater. The Department of Ecology is actively working to reduce pollution in the Spokane River, focusing on enhancing its water quality. Stormwater, rain, and melted snow that travels over roads, parking areas, and roofs drain into Spokane’s stormwater systems. Stormwater management treats stormwater before it is discharged, and municipal stormwater general permits regulate it.
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Solutions for Improving Spokane Water Quality
We encourage the citizen’s participation with the Spokane City Council. The Council meets in-person and online every Monday (holidays excluded) at 6:00 PM, where the Mayor recommends Water Department policy and rates. See the City Council Webpage to learn more.
| Contaminants Above EWG Health Guidelines | Granular Activated Carbon | Reverse Osmosis | Ion Exchange Resins |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenic | Yes | Yes | |
| Bromodichloromethane | Yes | Yes | |
| Chloroform | Yes | Yes | |
| Dibromochloromethane | Yes | Yes | |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) | Yes | Yes | |
| Nitrate | Yes | Yes | |
| Nitrate and nitrite | Yes | Yes | |
| Radium, combined (-226 & -228) | Yes | Yes | |
| Radon | Yes | Yes | |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | Yes | Yes | |
| PFAS | Yes | Yes |
Comprehensive Water Analysis for Spokane Residents
Accepted levels established by state regulations are not always safe, especially when your location is more vulnerable to contaminants than the general population of Spokane County.
The contaminants mentioned above heighten risks for cancer and other health problems. Filters (especially reverse osmosis filters) can remove these contaminants so people can obtain quality water that is safe to drink. Before you can filter out contaminants, you will need to understand the quality of your water.
Get a holistic view of your location’s water quality with a comprehensive and complimentary water analysis from H2O Solutions. When you schedule an appointment with us, we answer your questions and enlighten you about a water solution for your residence or business.
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