What’s in Our Water? A Closer Look at Vancouver, WA’s Drinking Water

Water is life, it’s fundamental to our daily lives—it's in our morning coffee, our children's baths, and the meals we prepare. It also cleans our dishes, clothes, bodies, and transfers our waste away. Living in Vancouver, Washington, we're fortunate to have access to groundwater from deep aquifers. However, recent findings have raised concerns about the presence of certain contaminants in our water supply.

Understanding Vancouver's Water Sources

SO where do we get our drinking water from? As a resident of the PNW I assumed we sourced some of our drinking water from the Columbia river and even the rain water. That is however wrong, 100% of all drinking water is pumped from 25 wells located at nine separate water stations throughout the city. Vancouver's drinking water is sourced entirely from underground aquifers, including the Orchards Aquifer and the Sand-and-Gravel Aquifer. These aquifers provide a substantial and reliable water supply for the city and are slowly replenished over time from rain and snowmelt. The water is not filtered but it is treated with trace amounts of chlorine to eliminate harmful bacteria, ensuring it meets health standards for municipal water systems. 

Emerging Concerns: PFAS in Our Water

Recent tests have detected the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as "forever chemicals," in Vancouver's water supply. These substances are known for their persistence in the environment and the human body. In 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set a maximum contaminant level of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFAS. Tests conducted in February 2025 revealed that five of the city's nine water stations had PFOA levels ranging from 4.4 to 8.8 ppt, exceeding the EPA's limit but remaining below Washington state's action level of 10 ppt. While the EPA has determined what a safe level is I do find the presence of any PFA’s a problem and is a stark reminder how much this problem has invaded our lives and bodies. 

The city is proactively addressing this issue by evaluating treatment technologies to remove PFAS from the water supply. Designs are underway to install treatment systems at Water Station 14, with plans for additional systems at other stations. 

Health Implications of PFAS Exposure

PFAS exposure has been linked to various health concerns, including hormonal disruptions, immune system effects, and increased risk of certain cancers. These chemicals can enter our bodies through drinking water and accumulate over time. For families with young children or individuals with chemical sensitivities, this is particularly concerning.

Our drinking water is not the only source of PFA’s, but if it’s in the water it is in our food. With the discovery of PFA’s in more and more products like makeup, creams, soaps, cleaners, and the list continues we find ourselves needing to remove them as much as possible. 

Lead and Other Contaminants

While Vancouver's water infrastructure is relatively modern, the city conducts regular testing for lead, especially in homes built before 1986. In compliance with the EPA's Lead and Copper Rule, the Water Utility tests water in 50 residences every three years to monitor for lead contamination from home plumbing.

Additionally, independent testing has identified other contaminants, such as bromodichloromethane and chloroform, which are byproducts of water disinfection processes. These substances have been associated with liver and kidney damage and are considered potential carcinogens.

Practical Steps for Safer Water at Home

While the city works on large-scale solutions, there are steps you can take to reduce your family's exposure to these contaminants:

  • Install a Water Filter: Use a certified water filter that can remove PFAS, lead, and other contaminants. Brands like Epic Water Filters offer products designed for this purpose.

  • Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products: Switch to non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning supplies to minimize chemical exposure. At EcoVibe Refillery, we offer a range of plant-based cleaning products that are safe for your home and the environment.

  • Regularly Maintain Plumbing: Ensure your home's plumbing is in good condition to prevent lead leaching, especially if your home was built before 1986.

Community Engagement and Resources

Staying informed and involved is crucial. Here are some resources to help you:

Final Thoughts

Vancouver, WA is fortunate to draw its drinking water from deep underground aquifers—resources that are naturally filtered and, for the most part, protected from the kind of surface pollution that plagues many cities. But that doesn’t mean we can take it for granted.

Relying on groundwater is a privilege, but also a responsibility. Unlike surface water, which is more visible and easier to monitor, aquifers are largely out of sight. Contaminants like PFAS (forever chemicals), nitrates from fertilizers, and industrial runoff can silently infiltrate these reserves—sometimes without being detected until it’s too late.

What we put on our lawns, flush down our drains, or pour onto the ground doesn’t just disappear. In time, it can seep into the very water we drink. This is especially important in areas like Clark County, where sprawling development, agriculture, and industrial activity sit above the very aquifers we depend on.

As residents, we’re part of this ecosystem. Whether you’re switching to safer cleaning products, advocating for stricter pollution controls, or simply staying informed about testing and treatment updates, every choice ripples outward.

The good news? Unlike surface reservoirs that can be immediately overwhelmed by pollution, groundwater systems give us a window of time to act. That window is still open—but it won’t stay that way forever.

So yes, our water is considered clean. But “clean” doesn’t mean infallible. And “safe” doesn’t mean untouchable. It means we’re doing okay for now—but the carcinogens are building up and showing up in more places every day!.

Water isn’t just a resource. It’s a mirror. It reflects the health of our community, our land, and our values. Let’s protect it like our lives depend on it—because they do.

Official Reports & Government Resources

  1. 2022 Annual Water Quality Report – City of Vancouver
     Details the city's water sources, treatment processes, and testing results.
     🔗 Read the report (PDF)

  2. City of Vancouver Drinking Water Information
     Provides an overview of the city's drinking water system and quality assurance measures.
     🔗 Visit the page

  3. Clark County Public Health – PFAS in Drinking Water
     Offers information on PFAS contaminants and their impact on local water supplies.
     🔗 Learn more

News Articles & Updates

  1. "Vancouver water test results for PFAS a mixed bag" – The Columbian (April 8, 2025)
     Reports on recent PFAS testing results in Vancouver's water stations.
     🔗 Read the article

  2. "Vancouver council approves contract for PFAS treatment at Water Station 9" – The Columbian (February 4, 2025)
     Discusses the city's plans to implement PFAS treatment solutions.
     🔗 Read the article

  3. "Vancouver receives $10M loan to remove 'forever chemicals' from water supply" – The Columbian (September 18, 2024)
     Details funding received by the city to address PFAS contamination.
     🔗 Read the article

  4. "What to know about PFAS or 'forever chemicals' in some Vancouver, Clark Public Utilities water systems" – The Columbian (March 27, 2024)
     Provides background on PFAS presence in local water systems.
     🔗 Read the article

  5. "Vancouver outlines steps to manage PFAS in water system" – The Columbian (December 25, 2023)
     Outlines the city's strategy to handle PFAS contamination.
     🔗 Read the article

Epic Water Filters – Vancouver Water Quality Report
 Analyzes Vancouver's water quality and potential contaminants.
 🔗 View the report

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