Is Richland, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Richland tap water is legally compliant, but one contaminant exceeds health guidelines. Specifically: PFAS above EPA limits (PFOA: 7.45 ppt, PFOS: 11 ppt — limit is 4 ppt each). A point-of-use filter is recommended for drinking and cooking water.
Hardness Scale: Where Richland Falls
0Slightly
60Moderate
120Hard
180Very Hard
250Extreme
400+
How Richland Compares
Richland's water is 33% softer than the national average of 138 PPM - ranking in the bottom 58% for hardness nationwide. Most homes here do not need a softener. Within Washington, it ranks #4 of 26 cities (179% above the state average of 33 PPM). Among mid-size cities (100k-200k), Richland ranks #115 of 189 for hardness.
What Richland's Water Means for Your Home
Hardness: 92 PPM - Low Concern
Richland's water is moderately hard at 92 PPM. You'll see some spotting on glassware and a film on shower doors over time, but it's not the kind of hardness that demands a full softener. A salt-free conditioner is worth considering if you have a tankless water heater or high-end fixtures.
Contaminants & Safety
Forever chemicals (PFAS) are a serious concern here. Richland has PFOA at 7.45 ppt and PFOS at 11 ppt — the EPA's 2024 limit is 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS individually. PFAS don't break down in your body or the environment. Research links long-term exposure to increased cancer risk, thyroid issues, and immune system problems. The fix: a whole-house activated carbon filter or a point-of-use reverse osmosis system. Look for NSF P473 certification — that's the standard that specifically tests for PFAS removal.
What's in the Treatment Process
Richland's surface water supply requires heavy chlorination to stay safe — but that creates a tradeoff. The treatment process generates disinfection byproducts: TTHMs at 38.7 ppb (48% of the legal limit, but 258x the EWG guideline) and HAA5 at 23.5 ppb (39% of the legal limit, but 235x the EWG guideline). These are within legal limits, but the EWG sets much tighter thresholds based on cancer-risk research. A whole-house activated carbon filter reduces both chlorine and byproducts.
Chromium-6 was detected at 0.11 ppb, which is 5.5x the EWG health guideline. There's no separate federal limit for chromium-6, only total chromium. A reverse osmosis system is the most effective removal method. All measurements are within federal legal limits. The EWG guidelines represent a more conservative, health-based standard.
| Contaminant | Detected | Health Guideline | Legal Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness (as CaCO₃) | 92 PPM | < 60 PPM | No federal limit | ✓ OK |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 118 PPM | < 300 PPM | 500 PPM | ✓ OK |
| PFAS (total) | 63.55 ppt | — | No total limit | Detected |
| ↳ PFOA | 7.45 ppt | 0 ppt | 4 ppt (2024) | ⚠ Exceeds |
| ↳ PFOS | 11 ppt | 0 ppt | 4 ppt (2024) | ⚠ Exceeds |
| Lead | 2.4 ppb | 0 ppb (no safe level) | 15 ppb (10 ppb in 2027) | ✓ Low |
| Chlorine / Chloramine | 1.4 mg/L | Taste threshold ~1.0 | 4.0 mg/L | ✓ Normal |
| Nitrate | 2.35 mg/L | 5 mg/L | 10 mg/L | ✓ OK |
Recommendations for Richland Homes
Recommended Filter for Richland
PFAS exceed EPA limits (PFOA: 7.45 ppt, PFOS: 11 ppt — limit: 4 ppt each). A certified filter reduces these contaminants effectively.
Quick Fix for Chlorine: Shower Filter
At 1.4 mg/L chlorine, many Richland residents notice dry skin, brittle hair, and that "pool smell" in the shower. A shower filter installs in 5 minutes, no tools needed.
How to Test Your Water in Richland
With PFAS at 63.55 ppt in Richland's supply, confirming your home's specific levels is especially important. PFAS vary by neighborhood and can concentrate differently depending on your position in the distribution system.
Free option: Request City of Richland Water's annual Consumer Confidence Report for official city-level data.
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About Richland's Water Supply
Water Utility: City of Richland Water
Water Source: Columbia River (Surface Water)
Population Served: 106,248
Hardness: 92 PPM (5.4 grains per gallon)
Richland's drinking water comes from surface sources — Columbia River. Surface water requires more extensive treatment than groundwater, including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection. This heavier chlorination is why disinfection byproducts tend to be higher in surface-supplied systems. On the upside, surface sources often deliver softer water than deep aquifers. The system serves 106,000 residents.
Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. For your exact numbers, request City of Richland Water's Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) or test your own tap.
ZIP Codes Covered by This Report
This water quality data applies to all areas served by City of Richland Water in Richland, WA, including ZIP codes:
98930, 98935, 99320, 99350, 99352, 99353, 99354, 99357
If your ZIP code is listed above, this report covers your water supply. Water quality may vary slightly by neighborhood.
Compare Richland to Other Washington Cities
Frequently Asked Questions About Richland Water
Is Richland tap water safe to drink?
Where does Richland's water come from?
Do I need a water softener in Richland?
How do I remove PFAS from Richland tap water?
What water filter is best for Richland?
Is Richland water safe for babies and infants?
What is the hardness of Richland water in grains per gallon?
What are disinfection byproducts in Richland's water?
Data sources: Lead and copper data from EPA Safe Drinking Water Act LCR reporting. Contaminant data from utility-reported testing results. PFAS data from EPA UCMR5 (2023–2025). Hardness from USGS and municipal reports. Data reflects system-level testing results and may not match your specific tap due to neighborhood plumbing, season, or recent utility changes. For your utility's latest results, request their Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). Our methodology. Last updated: 2026-02-24.
What Richland Homeowners Actually Buy
Prioritized for contaminant reduction for homes with 92 PPM water and PFAS above EPA limits.
Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission. Selection based on Richland's water data.