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WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 98226 Water Quality Report

Bellingham, WA · Whatcom County County

Safety Score
B

Water Safety Grade

Good — Minor issues on record

Health Violations

0

Total Violations

2

Lead Risk

Moderate

Contaminants

0

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 98226

Tap water in ZIP code 98226 (Bellingham, WA) meets all federal safety standards and earns a solid B grade (score: 83/100). Served by City of Bellingham-water Division, the water system has maintained general compliance with EPA Safe Drinking Water Act regulations, with only minor issues on record.

Water System

City of Bellingham-water Division

EPA ID: WA5305600

Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

139,912 residents

County

Whatcom County County, Washington

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Lead Levels in ZIP 98226

EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb

Lead Level: 3.4 ppb — Very Low

The 90th percentile lead level in 98226 is 3.4 ppb, well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb. While this is a reassuring result, the EPA's public health goal for lead is actually zero — no amount of lead is considered completely safe, particularly for children under 6 and pregnant women. Running your tap for 30 seconds before use and using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 filter adds an extra layer of protection.

Lead exposure risk in 98226 is rated Moderate. EPA models estimate a 32% probability of lead exposure risk in this ZIP code based on housing age, infrastructure age, and water system data. This may reflect a mix of older and newer housing stock and infrastructure. Families with young children should test their home's water and consider a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter.

Lead Level (90th percentile)
3.40 ppb (0.0034 mg/L)
Lead (Consumer Confidence Report)

From annual CCR filing

3 ppb
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
Moderate
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

32%
Note: Lead levels above are the 90th percentile from EPA monitoring — meaning 90% of samples were at or below this level. Even "undetected" tap water lead doesn't account for lead leaching from home plumbing. If your home was built before 1986, individual tap testing is recommended.
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Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

City of Bellingham-water Division has recorded 2 violations, but none are health-based. Administrative or reporting violations don't directly indicate unsafe water, but they do signal gaps in documentation or monitoring procedures. 1 violation is currently unresolved — meaning the issue has not yet been formally corrected in EPA records. This is a serious concern that residents should follow up on with their water utility.

Total Violations (5 yr)
2
Health-Based Violations
0
Unresolved Violations
1
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
Moderate

Regulatory compliance risk is rated Moderate. City of Bellingham-water Division has had occasional lapses in compliance but generally meets Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

No health-based contaminant violations are on record for ZIP code 98226. This means EPA monitoring has not found levels of regulated contaminants exceeding the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) set under the Safe Drinking Water Act — a positive indicator of water quality compliance.

⚖ Enforcement Actions

EPA or state regulators have issued 1 enforcement action against City of Bellingham-water Division. Enforcement actions are formal compliance orders or penalties issued when a utility fails to address violations within required timeframes.
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Water Source & Environmental Factors

Surface Water

This system draws water from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs. Surface water is treated to remove sediment, microorganisms, and chemical contaminants before reaching taps.

Water Source Type
Surface Water
CCR Source Classification
Surface Water and Ground Water
EPA Radon Zone

Lower potential

Zone 3
Annual Flood Risk Cost

Estimated annual flood-related costs per property

$2
Energy Burden

% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure

3.37%

EPA Radon Zone 3 — lower radon potential, though the EPA still recommends testing all homes.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 98226 Recommendations

  • ✓ Run cold water for 30 seconds each morning before use — especially if pipes are old
  • ✓ Request your annual Consumer Confidence Report from City of Bellingham-water Division
  • ✓ If your home was built before 1986, consider testing your own tap for lead
  • ✓ Use a pitcher filter (NSF/ANSI 42 certified) for improved taste

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 98226 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 98226?+
Yes — tap water in 98226 (Bellingham, WA) currently meets all federal EPA standards with a water safety grade of B. No health-based violations are on record in the past 5 years. You can drink your tap water with confidence, though running the tap for 30 seconds in the morning is always a good practice.
What is the lead level in 98226 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 98226 is 3.4 ppb (parts per billion). The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is a low level, well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
Who provides tap water to 98226?+
Tap water in ZIP code 98226 is provided by City of Bellingham-water Division (EPA ID: WA5305600). This system serves approximately 139,912 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 98226?+
ZIP code 98226 is served by surface water. Surface water systems draw from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs and must meet strict EPA treatment requirements including filtration and disinfection.
Does 98226 have any active water quality violations?+
Yes — there are currently 1 unresolved violation on record for this water system. Unresolved violations indicate issues that have not yet been formally corrected in EPA tracking systems. Contact City of Bellingham-water Division for the latest update.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 98226?+
Your water utility — City of Bellingham-water Division — is required by law to send you an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) by July 1 each year. You can also request it directly from the utility or find it online by searching "City of Bellingham-water Division Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 98226?+
The right filter depends on what contaminants are present. For lead, look for a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53. For chlorine byproducts (like THMs), NSF/ANSI 42 filters work well. For a broad range of contaminants including PFAS, look for NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) systems. For ZIP code 98226, with a clean compliance record, a standard carbon block filter meeting NSF/ANSI 42 is a good choice for taste and as a precaution.
Is 98226 tap water safe for babies and infants?+
Infants are especially vulnerable to lead, nitrates, and microbial contaminants in drinking water. Current EPA data for 98226 shows a lead level of 3.4 ppb — below the action level, but as an extra precaution, run your tap for 30 seconds before use and consider a certified lead filter for infant formula. Always consult your pediatrician for guidance specific to your child's health.

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 98226 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by City of Bellingham-water Division. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →