Water Quality in Olympia, WA
Olympia's water quality is good overall. Hardness is low at 17 PPM, and no contaminants exceed health guidelines. Most homes here do not need a water softener.
Hardness Scale: Where Olympia Falls
Olympia's artesian springs and deep wells produce very soft water from glacial outwash geology.
What Olympia's Water Means for Your Home
Olympia's water is slightly hard at 17 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 Olympia, focus on contaminant filtration rather than softening.
Beyond hardness, Olympia's water quality is generally within EPA guidelines for regulated contaminants. Chlorine is present at 0.6 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) | 17 PPM | < 60 PPM | No federal limit | ✓ OK |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 39 PPM | < 300 PPM | 500 PPM | ✓ OK |
| PFAS (total) | 3 ppt | 4 ppt (EPA) | 4 ppt (2024) | ✓ OK |
| Lead | 2 ppb | 0 ppb (no safe level) | 15 ppb (action level) | ✓ Low |
| Chlorine / Chloramine | 0.6 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 Olympia's Water Supply
Water Utility: City of Olympia Water Resources
Water Source: McAllister Springs, groundwater
Population Served: 55,605
Hardness: 17 PPM (1 grains per gallon)
Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by City of Olympia Water Resources. 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 Olympia to Other Washington Cities
Frequently Asked Questions About Olympia Water
Is Olympia tap water safe to drink?
Do I need a water softener in Olympia?
What water filter is best for Olympia?
Where does Olympia's water come from?
What is the hardness of Olympia water in grains per gallon?
Does Olympia water damage tankless water heaters?
Is Olympia 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 City of Olympia Water Resources Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.