Table of Contents
Can You Drink Tap Water in Lacey?
Yes, Lacey's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Lacey has no active health based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) that we are aware of. Other factors such as lead piping in a home, or low levels of pollutants on immunocompromised individuals, should also be considered, however. To find more recent info we might have, you can check out our boil water notice page or the city's water provider website.
According the EPA’s ECHO database, from April 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022, Lacey's water utility, Lacey Water Department, had 0 violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. This assessment is based on the Lacey Water Department water system, other water systems in the city may have different results.
While tap water that meets the EPA health guidelines generally won’t make you sick to your stomach, it can still contain regulated and unregulated contaminants present in trace amounts that could potentially cause health issues over the long-run. These trace contaminants may also impact immunocompromised and vulnerable individuals.
The EPA is reviewing if it’s current regulations around pollutant levels in tap water are strict enough, and the health dangers posed by unregulated pollutants, like PFAS.
Water Quality Report for Lacey Tap Water
The most recent publicly available numbers for measured contaminant levels in Lacey tap water are in its 2020 Water Quality Report. As you can see, there are levels which the EPA considers to be acceptable, but being below the maximum allowable level doesn’t necessarily mean the water is healthy.
Lead in tap water, for example, is currently allowed at up to 15ppb by the EPA, but it has set the ideal goal for lead at zero. This highlights how meeting EPA standards doesn’t necessarily mean local tap water is healthy.
EPA regulations continue to change as it evaluates the long term impacts of chemicals and updates drinking water acceptable levels. The rules around arsenic, as well as, lead and copper are currently being re-evaluated.
There are also a number of "emerging" contaminants that are not currently. For example, PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), for which the EPA has issued a health advisory. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" since they tend not to break down in the environment or the human body and can accumulate over time.
We recommend looking at the contaminants present in Lacey's water quality reports, or getting your home's tap water tested to see if you should be filtering your water.
Lacey Tap Water Safe Drinking Water Act Violation History - Prior 10 Years
Below is a ten year history of violations for the water system named Lacey Water Department for Lacey in Washington. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.
Is there Lead in Lacey Water?
Based on the EPA’s ECHO Database, 90% of the samples taken from the Lacey water system, Lacey Water Department, between sample start date and sample end date, were at or below, 0.0079 mg/L of lead in Lacey water. This is 52.7% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. This means 10% of the samples taken from Lacey contained more lead.
While Lacey water testing may have found 0.0079 mg/L of lead in its water, that does not mean your water source has the same amount. The amount of lead in water in a city can vary greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood, or even building to building. Many buildings, particularly older ones, have lead pipes or service lines which can be a source of contamination. To find out if your home has lead, we recommend getting you water tested.
No amount of lead in water is healthy, only less dangerous. As lead accumulates in our bodies over time, even exposure to relatively small amounts can have negative health effects. For more information, please check out our Lead FAQ page.
Are there PFAS in Lacey Tap Water?
Currently, testing tap water for PFAS isn’t mandated on a national level. We do have a list of military bases where there have been suspected or confirmed leaks. There appears to be at least one military base - Joint Base Lewis-McChord - Lewis - near Lacey with suspected leaks.
With many potential sources of PFAS in tap water across the US, the best information we currently have about which cities have PFAS in their water is this ewg map, which you can check to see if Lacey has been evaluated for yet.
Our stance is better safe than sorry, and that it makes sense to try to purify the tap water just in case.
What do these Violations Mean?
Safe Drinking Water Act Violations categories split into two groups, health based, and non-health based. Generally, health based violations are more serious, though non-health based violations can also be cause for concern.
Health Based Violations
- Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) - maximum allowed contaminant level was exceeded.
- Maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs) - maximum allowed disinfectant level was exceeded.
- Other violations (Other) - the exact required process to reduce the amounts of contaminants in drinking water was not followed.
Non-Health Based Violations
- Monitoring and reporting violations (MR, MON) - failure to conduct the required regular monitoring of drinking water quality, and/or to submit monitoring results on time.
- Public notice violations (Other) - failure to immediately alert consumers if there is a serious problem with their drinking water that may pose a risk to public health.
- Other violations (Other) - miscellaneous violations, such as failure to issue annual consumer confidence reports or maintain required records.
SDWA Table Key
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Compliance Period | Dates of the compliance period. |
| Status |
Current status of the violation.
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| Health-Based? | Whether the violation is health based. |
| Category Code |
The category of violation that is reported.
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| Code | A full description of violation codes can be accessed in the SDWA_REF_CODE_VALUES (CSV) table. |
| Contaminant Code | A code value that represents a contaminant for which a public water system has incurred a violation of a primary drinking water regulation. |
| Rule Code |
Code for a National Drinking Water rule.
|
| Rule Group Code |
Code that uniquely identifies a rule group.
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| Rule Family Code |
Code for rule family.
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For more clarification please visit the EPA's data dictionary.
Lacey Water - Frequently Asked Questions
| By Mail: | 420 College St SE Lacey, WA, 98503-1238 |
Existing customers can login to their Lacey Water Department account to pay their Lacey water bill by clicking here.
If you want to pay your Lacey Water Department bill online and haven't made an account yet, you can create an account online. Please click here to create your account to pay your Lacey water bill.
If you don't want to make an account, or can't remember your account, you can make a one-time payment towards your Lacey water bill without creating an account using a one time payment portal with your account number and credit or debit card. Click here to make a one time payment.
Moving to a new house or apartment in Lacey means you will often need to put the water in your name with Lacey Water Department. In order to put the water in your name, please click the link to the start service form below. Start service requests for water bills typically take two business days.
Leaving your house or apartment in Lacey means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with Lacey Water Department. In order to take your name off the water bill, please click the link to the stop service form below. Stop service for water bills requests typically take two business days.
USER SUBMITTED RATINGS
- Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility
- Water Pollution
- Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility
- Water Quality
The above data is comprised of subjective, user submitted opinions about the water quality and pollution in Lacey, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).
Related FAQS
Lacey Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report)
The EPA mandates that towns and cities consistently monitor and test their tap water. They must report their findings in an annual Consumer Confidence Report. Below is the most recent water quality report from Lacey's Water. If you would like to see the original version of the report, please click here.
2021
Water Quality Report
WATERING SCHEDULE
REBATE COUPONS
WATER QUALITY
TESTING RESULTS
GROUNDWATER PROTECTION
CITY OF LACEY, WASHINGTON
ci.lacey.wa.us/waterquality
Pictured: Phil Petty using equipment that detects water leaks".
PROOF 3 | ASGD |
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This report contains important information about your drinking water.
Have someone translate it for you, or speak with someone who understands it.
Este informe contiene información inportante acerca de su agua potable. Haga que alguien lo traduzca para usted, o hable con alguien que lo entienda.
Tại thời điểm này có tin tức về tầm quan trọng của nước uống ở quy mô. Hoặc nếu bạn cần hiểu phạm vi, hoặc những gì khác để hiểu trong tài liệu này.
A Message from the Mayor |
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I am pleased to announce that Lacey’s drinking |
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water met or exceeded all regulations and mandates |
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established by the Environmental Protection Agency |
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for 2020. |
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Please take the opportunity to read and learn about |
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the quality of our community’s drinking water. You can |
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rest assured knowing that Lacey staff work around |
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the clock to maintain a water system that delivers |
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consistent, high quality drinking water 24/7. |
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Information contained in this report and online at |
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ci.lacey.wa.us/water quality enables Lacey’s water |
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customers, specifically those with special health |
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considerations, to make informed decisions about the |
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water they use every day. |
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If you have questions regarding the community’s |
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drinking water or the information contained in this |
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report, please contact your Lacey Water Utility at |
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Mayor Andy Ryder |
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PROOF 3 | ASGD |
Water Quality Testing Results Now Available
The drinking water delivered to your home in 2020 by the City of Lacey’s water utility met or exceeded all regulations and mandates established by the Environmental Protection Agency!
We have a comprehensive
In the 2020 Drinking Water Test Results, you will also find important information about lead and other contaminants that may be present in all drinking water sources.
PRIMARY STANDARDS REGULATED BY EPA FOR PROTECTING HEALTH
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HIGHEST |
GOAL NOT |
HIGHEST |
LOWEST |
DATE OF |
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LEVEL |
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TYPICAL SOURCE OF |
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LEVEL |
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ALLOWED |
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DETECTED |
DETECTED |
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(MCL) |
DETECTED |
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Arsenic |
10 ppb |
0 |
1 ppb |
<1 ppb |
5/10/2017 |
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Fluoride |
4 ppm |
4 ppm |
<0.2 ppm |
<0.2 ppm |
5/10/2017 |
Geology, natural |
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weathering. Fluoride |
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is not added to Lacey's |
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drinking water |
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Lead |
15 ppb |
0 |
1 ppb |
< 1 ppb |
10/23/2017 |
Geology, brass fittings |
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Nitrate |
10 ppm |
10 ppm |
5 ppm |
<1 ppm |
5/19/2020 |
Septic systems, fertilizer, |
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animal waste |
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Total Coliform |
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Bacteria |
5% |
0% |
0% |
0% |
Naturally present in the |
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environment |
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testing positive) |
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Chlorine Residual |
4 ppm |
4 ppm |
1.16 ppm |
0.35 ppm |
6/25/2020 |
Added as a disinfectant |
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to the water system |
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Total |
80 ppb |
NA |
11 ppb |
8 ppb |
4/7/2020 |
Reaction of chlorine |
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Trihalomethanes |
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with naturally occurring |
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organic matter in |
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drinking water |
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Total Haloacetic |
60 ppb |
NA |
5 ppb |
4 ppb |
1/23/2020 |
Reaction of chlorine |
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acids |
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with naturally occurring |
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organic matter in |
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drinking water |
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REGULATED BY THE STATE AT THE CONSUMER'S TAP
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# SAMPLES |
DATE OF |
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STATE |
GOAL NOT |
90% |
OVER |
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HIGHEST |
TYPICAL SOURCE OF |
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CONTAMINANT |
ACTION |
TO EXCEED |
STATE |
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PERCENTILE |
LEVEL |
CONTAMINANT |
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LEVEL |
(MCLG) |
ACTION |
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DETECTED |
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Copper |
1300 ppb |
1300 ppb |
934 ppb |
1 sample |
6/23/2020 |
Corrosion of household |
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plumbing or erosion of |
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natural deposits |
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Lead |
15 ppb |
0 ppb |
8 ppb |
1 sample |
6/23/2020 |
Corrosion of household |
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plumbing or erosion of |
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natural deposi |
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PROOF 3 | ASGD |
Thank You Water Division Staff
The water division of the City of Lacey has worked above and beyond this past year to ensure that no matter what challenges we face, there will always be access to clean and safe drinking water.
This year we dedicate the Consumer Confidence Report to our Water Division Staff. Thank you for your hard work and vital contributions to our community.
REBATES
FREE TOILET REPLACEMENT
(Customers on SEPTIC)
City of Lacey water customers with
$100 TOILETS REBATE
(Customers on SEWER)
Lacey water customers with City sewer service are eligible for a mail-
$50 WASHING MACHINE REBATE
(Customers on SEPTIC or SEWER)
City of Lacey water customers are eligible for a
the purchase of an qualifying ENERGY STAR certified washing machine.
ASGD |
Visit ci.lacey.wa.us/waterconservation to learn more and download a rebate
application! For questions about rebates, call (360)
PROOF 3 |
IF YOU CHOOSE TO WATER YOUR LAWN THIS SUMMER,
DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE
Mandatory Summer
Watering Schedule
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PLEASE NOTE: Failure to follow the outdoor watering |
EFFECTIVE JUNE 1 – SEPT. 30 |
policy could ultimately lead to the discontinuation of |
your water service and a $250 fine. |
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Since 2006, the City of Lacey has enforced an
To apply for a temporary exemption or variance from the watering schedule, contact Water Resources at (360)
If your address |
ODD NUMBER |
ends with an: |
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Your watering |
MONDAY, WEDNESDAY |
days are: |
& SATURDAY |
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If your address |
EVEN NUMBER |
ends with an: |
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Your watering |
SUNDAY, TUESDAY |
days are: |
& THURSDAY |
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NO
WATERING ON
FRIDAYS
FREE WATER-SAVING ITEMS
BEGINNING JUNE 1ST
- Indoor water saving kit
- Outdoor water saving kit
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Automatic
shut-off hose timer - Soil moisture sensor
Please call
to set up a time to pick up your items.
Items are only available for curbside pickup on Tuesday and Thursdays.
PROOF 3 | ASGD |
Where Does
Lacey’s Water
Come From?
All of the water you use in your home comes from groundwater wells located through the greater Lacey area. The groundwater wells pump water up from three underground aquifers. An aquifer is a natural underground layer of rock or sand that stores water. Groundwater is found in the pore spaces between the rock and sand.
By the end of 2020, the Lacey water distribution system consisted of:
Water Reservoirs: 7
Production Wells: 20
Waterlines: 390 miles
Hydrants: 3,904
Water Valves: 11,412
Staff Members: 28
Groundwater Protection
In 1995, the City of Lacey began its Wellhead Protection Program to ensure that activities and land uses do not contaminate our groundwater supply. Why does this matter? All of our drinking water comes from groundwater, as does most drinking water in Thurston County.
The Wellhead Protection Area (WHPA) around each well shows how long it takes groundwater to travel through the underground aquifer and reach the wellhead. For example, in the picture below, groundwater in the yellow area takes 5 years to travel through the aquifer and reach the drinking water well. Everyone can help protect our drinking water through the proper use, storage, and disposal of harmful substances within WHPAs.
Septic systems can also be a source of groundwater contamination if not properly used and maintained. If you have an onsite septic system, perform regular system maintenance to prevent groundwater contamination and protect the quality of our drinking water.
If you see something, report it! To report someone dumping contaminants or if you find a spill, call (360)
WELL HEAD PROTECTION AREA (WHPA)
Time Of Travel: Groundwater To Wellhead
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10 |
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5 YEARS |
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1 |
YEARS |
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YEAR |
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MUNICIPAL |
6 |
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WELLHEAD |
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MONTHS |
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3 | ASGD | |
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Find out if you live within a wellhead protection |
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area by visiting the interactive map at ci.lacey.wa.us/waterquality |
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PROOF |
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Introducing Members of Lacey's Team
Samantha Keesler
Sam is a Department Assistant III for Utility Billing and Finance. Sam’s job duties can differ greatly from day to day. She answers questions from the general public about
their utilities, she manages specialty licenses (taxi cabs and tow trucks), and she monitors gambling taxes. Sam considers herself
the muscle and jokester of utility billing. She loves working for Lacey because at the end of the day her job is her job, she
doesn’t take the stress home with her. She also loves her
customers. Say Hi to Sam the next time you are at City Hall.
Phil Petty
Phil Petty has been an instrumental member at the City of Lacey for the past 35 years. Phil works in the Water Department and has completed various projects throughout his
career. Most recently he helped set up the City’s source meter calibration program, helping the city collect accurate data about water production.
Phil is also a skilled researcher, he is known to find long lost utilities and obscure leaks, saving the City millions of gallons of water. Thank you for your service Phil.
Where Did Lacey’s Water Go in 2020?
91.3%
2.5
billion gallons
CITY
CUSTOMERS WITH WATER METERS
2%
52
million gallons
AUTHORIZED
CITY USES*
6.7%
181
million gallons
DISTRIBUTION
SYSTEM
LEAKAGE**
For more information about Lacey’s distribution system or to report problems, call (360)
*Authorized uses include street sweeping, water line flushing, treatment facility maintenance and other related activities.
**Distribution system leakage (DSL) refers to all water that could not be accounted for and is attributed to water main breaks, theft of water and other unknown water losses. The state requires that a utility of Lacey’s size maintain a DSL of less than 10%.
PROOF 3 | ASGD |
Water Resources
420 College St. S.E.
Lacey, WA 98503
Join Stream Team
Stream Team helps protect and enhance water resources through citizen education and action. In 2020, 186 Lacey Stream Team volunteers donated over 370 hours to our community through stream
more information or to sign up for an upcoming volunteer opportunity.
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
OLYMPIA, WA PERMIT NO. 6
Attend a City Council Meeting
City Council meetings are generally held at 7:00 pm at Lacey City Hall on the 2nd & 4th Thursday of each month January through October and the 1st & 3rd Thursdays in November and December. Call
Contact Us
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To report problems about Lacey’s water system, call
360-491-5644 -
For utility bill questions, call
360-491-5616 -
EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline:
1-800-426-4791 or visit the EPA Homepage at epa.gov/OW
City of Lacey Spills Hotline
- See a spill or water quality concern? Report it!
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Call (360)
491-5644
PROOF 3 | ASGD |
Contaminants
Lacey Water Department
EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the Washington State Department of Health, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2019 - March 2019), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.
Utility details
- Serves: 67482
- Data available: 2012-2017
- Data Source: Groundwater
- Total: 19
Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines
- Bromodichloromethane
- Chloroform
- Chromium (hexavalent)
- Dibromochloromethane
- Dichloroacetic acid
- Nitrate
- Nitrate and nitrite
- Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
- Trichloroacetic acid
Other Detected Contaminants
- 1%2C4-Dioxane
- Bromoform
- Chlorate
- Chromium (total)
- Dibromoacetic acid
- Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
- Manganese
- Radium%2C combined (-226 & -228)
- Strontium
- Vanadium
Reminder
Always take extra precautions, the water may be safe to drink when it leaves the sewage treatment plant but it may pick up pollutants during its way to your tap. We advise that you ask locals or hotel staff about the water quality. Also, note that different cities have different water mineral contents.