Water Quality in Federal Way, WA
Federal Way's water quality is good overall. Hardness is low at 18 PPM, and no contaminants exceed health guidelines. Most homes here do not need a water softener.
Hardness Scale: Where Federal Way Falls
Federal Way blends Tacoma Water supply with local wells. Water is soft from Puget Sound glacial geology.
What Federal Way's Water Means for Your Home
Federal Way's water is slightly hard at 18 PPM. At this level, hard water is not a significant concern for most households. Scale buildup is minimal, and a water softener would provide little measurable benefit. If you are considering water treatment in Federal Way, focus on contaminant filtration rather than softening.
Beyond hardness, Federal Way's water quality is generally within EPA guidelines for regulated contaminants. Chlorine is present at 0.9 mg/L as a disinfectant residual, which is normal for municipal water systems. If you notice a pool-like taste or experience dry skin, a whole-house carbon filter is the most common and affordable solution. For homeowners who want to understand the full picture, requesting your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report provides neighborhood-level data.
| Contaminant | Detected | Health Guideline | Legal Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness (as CaCO₃) | 18 PPM | < 60 PPM | No federal limit | ✓ OK |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 48 PPM | < 300 PPM | 500 PPM | ✓ OK |
| PFAS (total) | 3 ppt | 4 ppt (EPA) | 4 ppt (2024) | ✓ OK |
| Lead | 1 ppb | 0 ppb (no safe level) | 15 ppb (action level) | ✓ Low |
| Chlorine / Chloramine | 0.9 mg/L | Taste threshold ~1.0 | 4.0 mg/L | ✓ Normal |
| Nitrate | 1 mg/L | 5 mg/L | 10 mg/L | ✓ OK |
Good news for ${esc(c.city)} residents. Your water quality is generally good. Most homes in this area do not need a water softener. If you have concerns about lead (especially in buildings constructed before 1986) or chlorine taste, a point-of-use filter is the most practical and cost-effective solution.
About Federal Way's Water Supply
Water Utility: Lakehaven Water District
Water Source: Tacoma Water (Green River), Lakehaven Wells
Population Served: 101,030
Hardness: 18 PPM (1.1 grains per gallon)
Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by Lakehaven Water District. To get exact numbers for your address, request a copy of the most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your utility, or have your water independently tested.
Compare Federal Way to Other Washington Cities
Frequently Asked Questions About Federal Way Water
Is Federal Way tap water safe to drink?
Do I need a water softener in Federal Way?
What water filter is best for Federal Way?
Where does Federal Way's water come from?
What is the hardness of Federal Way water in grains per gallon?
Does Federal Way water damage tankless water heaters?
Is Federal Way water safe for babies and infants?
Data sources. Water quality data compiled from EPA SDWIS, EWG Tap Water Database, USGS water hardness studies, and the Lakehaven Water District Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.