Water Quality in Vancouver, WA
Vancouver's water quality is good overall. Hardness is low at 13 PPM, and no contaminants exceed health guidelines. Most homes here do not need a water softener.
Hardness Scale: Where Vancouver Falls
Vancouver benefits from the Pacific Northwest's protected mountain watersheds. At just 13 PPM, the water is naturally soft and requires minimal treatment. Most homes don't need a water softener — a point-of-use filter for lead in older buildings is the main recommendation.
What Vancouver's Water Means for Your Home
Vancouver's water is soft at 13 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 Vancouver, focus on contaminant filtration rather than softening.
Beyond hardness, Vancouver'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) | 13 PPM | < 60 PPM | No federal limit | ✓ OK |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 27 PPM | < 300 PPM | 500 PPM | ✓ OK |
| PFAS (total) | 2 ppt | 4 ppt (EPA) | 4 ppt (2024) | ✓ OK |
| Lead | 3 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 Vancouver's Water Supply
Water Utility: Clark PUD
Water Source: Groundwater wells
Population Served: 190,915
Hardness: 13 PPM (0.8 grains per gallon)
Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by Clark PUD. 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 Vancouver to Other Washington Cities
Frequently Asked Questions About Vancouver Water
Is Vancouver tap water safe to drink?
Do I need a water softener in Vancouver?
What water filter is best for Vancouver?
Where does Vancouver's water come from?
What is the hardness of Vancouver water in grains per gallon?
Does Vancouver water damage tankless water heaters?
Is Vancouver 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 Clark PUD Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.