Water Quality in Tacoma, WA
Tacoma's water quality is good overall. Hardness is low at 21 PPM, and no contaminants exceed health guidelines. Most homes here do not need a water softener.
Hardness Scale: Where Tacoma Falls
Protected mountain watershed — naturally soft, clean water.
What Tacoma's Water Means for Your Home
Tacoma's water is slightly hard at 21 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 Tacoma, focus on contaminant filtration rather than softening.
Beyond hardness, Tacoma's water quality is generally within EPA guidelines for regulated contaminants. Chlorine is present at 0.8 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) | 21 PPM | < 60 PPM | No federal limit | ✓ OK |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 35 PPM | < 300 PPM | 500 PPM | ✓ OK |
| PFAS (total) | 4 ppt | 4 ppt (EPA) | 4 ppt (2024) | ✓ OK |
| Lead | 2 ppb | 0 ppb (no safe level) | 15 ppb (action level) | ✓ Low |
| Chlorine / Chloramine | 0.8 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 Tacoma's Water Supply
Water Utility: Tacoma Water
Water Source: Green River Watershed
Population Served: 219,346
Hardness: 21 PPM (1.2 grains per gallon)
Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by Tacoma Water. 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 Tacoma to Other Washington Cities
Frequently Asked Questions About Tacoma Water
Is Tacoma tap water safe to drink?
Do I need a water softener in Tacoma?
What water filter is best for Tacoma?
Where does Tacoma's water come from?
What is the hardness of Tacoma water in grains per gallon?
Does Tacoma water damage tankless water heaters?
Is Tacoma 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 Tacoma Water Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.