Best & Worst Tap Water in the US: State-by-State Analysis

Clean tap water is a staple of everyday life. We rely on it for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and bathing. However, even with government oversight, not all tap water in the US meets safety standards. In some areas, the water isn’t as clean or healthy as it should be.

In this article, we’ll take a look into the state of tap water quality across the US.

We’ll cover:

• Who measures the water quality in the US
• How tap water quality is measured
• States with the cleanest tap water
• States with the worst tap water quality
• Most common tap water contaminants in the US
• What to do if you have bad tap water

Our goal is to provide you with a clear understanding of tap water quality in your state and offer practical advice if you’re facing water issues. By the end, you’ll feel more informed and prepared for what you need to do to keep your water safe and clean.

Who Monitors Water Quality in the US?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the key player in monitoring water quality across the United States. Our tap drinking water is protected under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), which regulates what constitutes safe and contaminant-free water in the United States.

The SDWA was first passed in 1974 and has been updated several times, most notably in 1986 and 1996. Since its inception, the EPA has kept a close watch on all public water systems in the country. They ensure these systems meet safety standards and protect us from both man-made and natural pollutants.

The EPA doesn’t work alone. They team up with other agencies, like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to spread information and educate the public about maintaining clean water.

How Tap Water is Determined Clean/Safe to Drink

Ensuring that tap water is clean and safe involves a series of detailed tests and regulations. The EPA sets standards for over 90 different contaminants that can be found in drinking water. These contaminants include harmful microorganisms, pesticides, and heavy metals like lead and mercury.

Public water systems regularly test their water to make sure it meets these standards. They use a variety of methods to check for contaminants, including chemical analysis and biological testing. If any contaminant levels are found to be too high, the water system must take immediate action to correct the issue and notify the public.

Each year, community water systems are required to provide a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to their customers. This report details where the water comes from, what’s in it, and how it measures up to EPA standards. The CCR is an essential tool for keeping the public informed and ensuring transparency.

In addition to EPA regulations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health departments play vital roles in monitoring and managing water quality. They provide guidelines and support for preventing waterborne diseases and addressing contamination events.

States With the Best Tap Water in the US

The EPA uses a graded approach to rate each state based on how many water code violations have occurred per 1,000 people. Each public water system is required to report its water quality and how many violations have occurred each year.

Some states in the US are known for having exceptionally high-quality tap water. These states have rigorous testing procedures, robust infrastructure, and effective water management practices that ensure residents enjoy clean and safe drinking water.

Here are the top 10 states with the best tap water in the US:

1. Hawaii
2. Oregon
3. Vermont
4. Massachusetts
5. South Dakota
6. Minnesota
7. New Hampshire
8. Kansas
9. Missouri
10. Rhode Island

These states have the best tap water in the United States due to their natural environment and government care. Although the EPA monitors tap water, it’s primarily up to state governments to treat and maintain their water sources before distributing water to residential homes.

Hawaii

Hawaii is a fantastic place to live, not just because of the warm weather and island life but also because of its excellent air and water quality. Hawaii ranks first in water cleanliness and second in air cleanliness.

Much of Hawaii’s tap water comes from freshwater streams in the volcanic regions of the islands. The state relies on these streams as it’s surrounded by saltwater.

The state’s fragile environment is well-protected by tight laws and regulations, which have been highly effective. The latest reports show that there are no contaminants in Hawaii’s water.

Oregon

Oregon consistently ranks among the top for tap water quality. The state’s water is clean and safe to drink thanks to the abundance of natural water sources. Most of its tap water comes from the Bull Run Watershed, which has been tested and proven to be one of the least contaminated natural watersheds in the United States.

Additionally, Oregon has minimal pollution, especially in the north, where the watershed’s source is located. Having an environmentally conscious population also helps in keeping artificial pollutants at a minimum.

Vermont

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires at least 95% of homes to have access to clean water. Vermont has always met this requirement with ease, as 99% of its residents have access to safe and clean water. Most Vermonters get their water from public water systems that are among the cleanest in the nation, thanks to rigorous monitoring which isn’t practiced in most states.

Vermont’s success in high water quality is due to strong legislation focused on groundwater protection and the state’s high-quality natural water supply.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts doesn’t have the advantage of a pollutant-free watershed. Unlike Oregon, the state relies mainly on governmental efforts to ensure that its water remains clean and safe for its citizens. But these efforts have been paying off, as Massachusetts is on this list thanks to the state government’s diligence in rigorously treating its water supplies before distributing the water to homes.

The set of standards enforced by the EPA is already strict, but the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection regulations are even stricter. In this state, citizens are notified immediately of any contaminants present in their tap water, and any problem is usually resolved within days. The high standards of Massachusetts’ authorities set an example for other states to emulate.

South Dakota

South Dakota may not be the first state that comes to mind for top-notch tap water, but it consistently meets EPA’s water quality requirements. 95% or more of the population drinks water that passes all EPA standards for clean and accessible water.

In addition, the state’s capital, Sioux Falls, has been awarded the Secretary’s Award for Drinking Water Excellence for 11 years straight.

Minnesota

Minnesota, the “land of 10,000 lakes”, is another northern state with ample access to natural water sources, allowing its drinking water to be naturally cleaner than most states. However, Minnesota’s water quality isn’t high only because of its connection to rich natural resources. The state’s water authorities take extra care in assisting water suppliers via the Minnesota Department of Health.

As a result, Saint Paul and Minneapolis, the Twin Cities of Minnesota, have some of the cleanest tap water in the US.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire is another state that goes above and beyond the EPA’s requirements for clean water. The drinking water in New Hampshire is cleaner than most states thanks to the state’s fantastic filtration process and environmental protection acts.

In addition to banning common contaminants, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services limits PFAS compounds and harmful chemicals that can leach off of non-stick cookware and plastics. As a result, New Hampshire has significantly improved its water quality beyond that of the US average.

Kansas

Known as the Wheat State, Kansas is primarily farmland. Being one of the nation’s largest agricultural producers makes clean water vital both for its residents and industry sector.

Fortunately, Kansas’ drinking water is immaculate, thanks to the state’s stringent laws that cover a wide array of practices, from water disinfection and filtration treatments to the use of herbicides and pesticides on agricultural grounds near public water sources. Violating these regulations can result in hefty fines and civil penalties for both water suppliers and citizens who contaminate the water supply.

Missouri

Missouri has gone beyond the EPA's mandatory water regulations by enforcing additional state regulations. Public water officials in Missouri must report on the level of cleanliness of the state’s drinking water more frequently and in greater detail than what the EPA mandates.

These strict laws have led to some of the cleanest water in the United States and even the world. But Missouri’s tap water isn’t only clean – it also tastes better than average. For several years, the town of Independence, Missouri, has been recognized for having the best-tasting tap water globally for several years.

Rhode Island

Despite being the smallest state in America, Rhode Island boasts some of the cleanest water in the nation, thanks to its multiple natural water resources.

To maintain this reputation, Rhode Island enforces strict water pollution laws, including regulations on preventing wastewater discharges and monitoring water quality. Since two-thirds of the communities in Rhode Island rely on groundwater, they take extra care to prevent pollution.

States With the Worst Tap Water in the US

While many states enjoy clean and healthy tap water, some struggle to comply with the regulations set by the EPA. With over 90 contaminants to watch out for, leaky pipes, and chemical or oil spills, these states have been failing to meet the guidelines put forward by the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Here are the top 10 states with the worst tap water in the US:

1. New Jersey
2. Ohio
3. Georgia
4. Arizona
5. Pennsylvania
6. Florida
7. Texas
8. Michigan
9. California
10. Washington

If you live in one of these states, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your drinking water isn’t safe. However, you should check your local government’s site and your area’s Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to find out if you need to treat your tap water before drinking.

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New Jersey

New Jersey, home to many of America’s factories and industrial complexes, faces significant water quality challenges. The state’s water supply is often contaminated with high levels of BPA (bisphenol A), a plastic that can affect brain health, and PFCs (perfluorochemicals), which can impact growth and development.

Moreover, New Jersey lacks abundant natural water sources. The combination of industrial pollution and limited natural water makes the state’s tap water substandard compared to other states.

For years, New Jersey’s public water systems have violated many EPA drinking water regulations. In Newark, many residents rely on bottled or store-bought reverse osmosis filtered water. However, the state is working on new legislation to improve water quality.

Ohio

Ohio, with its extensive agriculture and industrial activities, struggles with water pollution. Despite having natural water resources, pollution from former mining towns and industrial complexes makes Ohio one of the most polluted states, affecting its tap water quality.

Many towns and cities in Ohio suffer from lead exposure, carcinogens, and coal pollutants due to ineffective filtration systems. Many public water systems in Ohio frequently violate some of the EPA’s codes.

Additionally, newly emerging contaminants like PFAS are present in more than 100 water systems across the state, raising serious health concerns due to their association with increased cancer risk.

Georgia

Georgia’s rivers and streams suffer from toxic discharges from factories, making them some of the most polluted in the US. Improper toxic waste practices have led to dangerous levels of chemicals in the public water system, exceeding legal limits.

Radium and TTHMs (total trihalomethanes) are some of the contaminants found in Georgia’s water, both linked to various types of cancer. This makes tap water unsafe in many parts of the state. If you live in Georgia, check with local authorities to understand the quality and safety of your tap water.

Arizona

Arizona, a desert state, faces significant water scarcity issues. Its limited natural water sources and imported water are often polluted.

Arizona’s water contains high levels of chromium-6, a known carcinogen, which is concerning given that some cities lack adequate filtration systems to remove this contaminant.

If you live in or are visiting Arizona, contact your local municipality to learn more about your water quality and ways to protect yourself.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is one of the industrial hubs of the United States. While this is great for the economy, heavy industries are one of the most common culprits behind contaminated drinking water simply because of their use of chemicals with a high contamination risk.

Unfortunately, this affects drinking water across the state, with heavy metals like arsenic, radium, and barium often exceeding legal limits.

Additionally, unregulated coal mining further degrades the water quality in Pennsylvania. Although coal mining is no longer central to Pennsylvania’s economy, its environmental impact continues to contaminate local water sources.

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Florida

Florida relies heavily on groundwater for its tap water, but these sources are increasingly contaminated by population growth and unregulated agricultural and industrial waste disposal.

As a result, Florida’s tap water contains high levels of various contaminants, including heavy metals like hexavalent chromium and emerging compounds like PFAS.

The state has also faced severe algae outbreaks following recent hurricanes, notably the Red Tide epidemic in 2017 and 2018, which continues to affect saltwater. On the other hand, blue-green algae impact ponds and streams and compromise their quality.

Texas

Like Florida, Texas has struggled with red tide and algae outbreaks, but not all areas are affected due to the state’s vast size. Inland communities in Texas face some of the most irradiated and polluted water in the country.

Rural communities suffer the most, lacking support from the state government because they have smaller populations. As a result, hundreds of public water systems violate EPA standards, with contaminants like lead, arsenic, asbestos, and radium being the most concerning.

Michigan

The 2014 Flint Water Crisis put Michigan in the spotlight for its water quality issues when residents in Flint suffered from lead poisoning due to contaminated tap water.

Since then, the state has made efforts to improve water quality, but high levels of lead and carcinogens remain a problem.

While Michigan has a generally good water-quality score, eastern areas near Flint and Detroit consistently score lower. In contrast, western and northern Michigan benefit from relatively clean water, thanks to the Great Lakes.

California

California, like other large states, faces significant water quality issues, especially in lower-income, rural areas. Many farmlands and rural regions suffer from low-quality water, exposing residents to dangerous contaminants like arsenic and nitrates.

Cities in California have their own water quality standards, which often surpass state standards. However, rural communities still remain affected by poor water quality. The state government is actively working to improve the situation, and while it may take years, California is on the right path toward providing clean and healthy water.

Washington

Despite having ample natural resources for fresh water, Washington struggles to provide quality drinking water to many residents. Even in eco-conscious cities like Seattle, arsenic and radium levels in drinking water exceed EPA standards.

The situation is worse in rural areas, which make up 20% of the state’s population. These communities face some of the most toxic water in the country, with state regulations falling short in protecting groundwater from herbicide and pesticide contamination.

Washington has received failing grades from the EPA for inadequate lead testing, poor water filtration, and failing to provide clean water to multiple communities. Environmental changes and the drying up of natural water resources have exacerbated these issues.

Water Report for Other Popular Cities/States

Below, you can access separate water reports for some popular cities in the US to learn more:

The 5 Most Common US Tap Water Contaminants

Not all 90 contaminants regulated by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) are common. Some are rare, while others occur naturally and need to be filtered out.

Here are the top five most common water contaminants and why they’re dangerous:

1. Lead

Lead is the most common contaminant in water supplies. In small amounts, it’s not dangerous, but too much lead can cause lead poisoning, which can occur months or even years after exposure.

Lead enters water supplies in areas with old pipes made of lead. To prevent lead poisoning, replace older pipes with newer materials or use methods to remove lead from the water.

2. Mercury

While mercury can occur naturally, most mercury found in water comes from industrial, commercial, medical, residential, or sewage runoff.

Small amounts of mercury are harmless, but ingesting, inhaling, or touching too much mercury can lead to mercury poisoning, causing kidney failure and other severe health issues.

3. Chlorine

Many people associate chlorination with swimming pools, but much of our drinking water is also chlorinated to keep it safe from contaminants. Cities add safe amounts of chlorine to tap water as a disinfectant to protect against waterborne diseases.

If you’re sensitive to chlorine, you can use a water filter or other methods to remove it from your water.

4. Pesticides/Herbicides

Pesticides and herbicides are commonly used in farming to protect crops from pests. However, these chemicals can run off into surface water.

When present in drinking water, these toxins can cause health issues, depending on their concentration levels.

5. Volatile Organic Compounds

VOCs are mostly man-made compounds that evaporate quickly and are found in many products, from paint to chloroform. They’re challenging to monitor in the water supply due to the lack of standardized and documented methods.

VOCs are among the most dangerous compounds in water and are strictly regulated by the EPA. The most common VOC is chloroform, which can be present in drinking water that has been chlorinated if the chlorine interacts with organic matter in the water.

What To Do if You Have Bad Tap Water

If you’re worried about your tap water or see your state listed above, there are several steps you can take to ensure your family’s safety. First, contact your local public water supplier and ask for their latest report. Water quality reports are public records and available to everyone.

You can also test your tap water at home. Water test kits are available online and can measure the presence of certain chemicals. For the best accuracy, buy two kits and test your water a few days apart.

If your water quality is poor, it might take a while for the government to address the issue. In the meantime, consider using portable water purification devices, such as a reverse osmosis water filter or point-of-entry filtration systems for your home. These can significantly improve your water quality.

While the EPA monitors water safety, you might still be drinking contaminated water. If your municipality hasn’t met EPA standards, they must notify you in their annual Consumer Confidence Report. In such cases, bottled water might be your best option.

Conclusion

It can be enlightening to learn which states rank at the top and bottom for tap water quality in the US, as the results can be surprising. For instance, states like Washington are known for their lush wildlife and ample water resources, yet their water quality is low. In contrast, Hawaii, surrounded by seawater, has one of the safest water supplies in the country.

No matter where you live, you need to be aware of what’s in your tap water. Your city or municipality might not have the same rigorous standards as the rest of your state.