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Where does city water come from here?

City water in Olympia and Lacey comes entirely from groundwater. Olympia draws on seven sources led by the McAllister Wellfield and rates its water slightly hard at 55 to 60 mg/L. Lacey pumps 20 wells from three aquifers, with hardness of 32 to 120 mg/L depending on the well. Both publish yearly water quality reports and require annual backflow tests. In Tumwater, ask the city for its own report.

Street to Drainfield · updated · sources listed at the end

Row of red and black backflow preventer assemblies on a concrete pad beside a city street
1Row of red and black backflow preventer assemblies on a concrete pad beside a city streetLook for: a row of backflow assemblies like these, each with test cocks a certified tester checks once a year.
Old green atmospheric vacuum breaker on white plastic irrigation pipe beside a wooden fence
2Old green atmospheric vacuum breaker on white plastic irrigation pipe beside a wooden fenceLook for: an atmospheric vacuum breaker on an irrigation line; an old, faded one is worth asking your tester about.

Where does Olympia's city water come from?

From the ground. Olympia's drinking water page says one hundred percent of its water is groundwater, delivered to over 60,000 people through about 20,000 connections. The water quality page names the McAllister Wellfield as the main source among seven, says the city uses chlorine for disinfection, and says it does not add fluoride.

One source is offline. Olympia reports low-level PFAS detections at Shana Park Well #11, which slightly exceeded the federal EPA standards finalized in April 2024, and says that well is offline until further notice. The other sources showed no PFAS detections.

Where does Lacey's city water come from?

Twenty wells. Lacey's water quality page and its 2026 water quality report say all of its water comes from groundwater wells drawing on three aquifers, and that water delivered in 2025 met or exceeded EPA standards. The report says Lacey completed a lead service line inventory and found the utility has no lead service lines, and that PFAS levels detected were below the federal maximum contaminant levels adopted by the Department of Health. Fluoride is not added.

How hard is the water in Olympia and Lacey?

Soft to moderately hard. Olympia calls its water "slightly hard" at 55 to 60 mg/L. Lacey's report lists total hardness from 32 to 120 mg/L across its wells, and notes that the level at your tap depends on which wells serve your area. Both cities treat hardness as a matter for soap use, appliances and aquariums, not health. If scale or staining is your concern, compare your city's number with the guidance in hard water and iron.

Where do you find each city's water quality report?

On each utility's own page. Olympia posts its 2026 Drinking Water Quality Report, test results and a water sources map on its water quality page. Lacey posts its 2026 report, test results and translations on its water quality page, and the paper report lists numbers for questions.

Tumwater's sources, report and hardness are not covered here. If you live in Tumwater, check the City of Tumwater's website or ask the city directly for its water quality report. If your home is on a private well instead, the city reports do not apply; see private well testing.

Who has to test a backflow assembly, and how often?

The property owner, every year. Olympia's backflow page says owners must install an assembly wherever a cross-connection is possible, such as irrigation systems or hot tubs, and have it tested annually by a state-certified tester. From 1 March 2026, Olympia accepts test reports only through its online portal, submitted by a Department of Health certified backflow assembly tester; the tester's fee is between you and the tester.

Lacey's backflow program requires an approved assembly on every in-ground irrigation system, citing WAC 246-290-490 and Lacey Municipal Code 13.48.070, tested at installation, after repairs and every year. It says missing tests can lead to discontinued water service. Installing an assembly is plumbing work under city and Washington L&I rules.

What can you do at the hose bib?

Fit a vacuum breaker. Olympia calls vacuum breakers on outdoor faucets the easiest way to protect your household water and says not to leave a hose submerged in a bucket, pool or hot tub. Lacey's report says atmospheric vacuum breakers are required on hose bibs and offers up to two free ones at Lacey City Hall Public Works. The breaker simply screws onto the faucet. Who is responsible for which pipe from the meter in is set out in who owns which pipe.

Yours to do

  • Download your city's latest water quality report and note the hardness range.
  • Screw a vacuum breaker onto every outdoor faucet.
  • Keep hoses out of buckets, pools and hot tubs.
  • Book the annual backflow test and confirm the city received the report.
  • Run cold water before drinking if it has sat in the pipes for hours.

Leave to a licensed or certified pro

  • A Department of Health certified backflow assembly tester runs and reports the annual test.
  • A licensed plumber installs or replaces an irrigation backflow assembly, with permits as required.
  • City water staff answer questions about your service area's wells.
  • A certified lab tests your tap if you suspect a household plumbing problem.

On the record

A store to look at

PlumbingSupplyAndMore's backflow preventers section shows hose-bib vacuum breakers and the assemblies used on irrigation lines; an assembly still has to be installed to code and tested by a certified tester. That supply house and this site are run by the same team.

Go to PlumbingSupplyAndMore

Common questions

Why is there blue staining in my Olympia sink?

Olympia says blue stains come from water reacting with copper pipes, usually newer plumbing where water sits six hours or more; running the tap 15 to 60 seconds and keeping fixtures dry helps.

Does Olympia or Lacey add fluoride?

Neither does, according to their water quality pages; small natural amounts may occur.

My water smells of chlorine. Is that normal?

Olympia disinfects with chlorine at the minimum needed. It suggests leaving a pitcher of water uncovered in the refrigerator overnight to let the taste fade.

Can I submit my own backflow test results in Olympia?

No. Only a Department of Health certified backflow assembly tester, or their administrator, can submit reports.

Is Lacey's water the same everywhere in the city?

Not exactly. Lacey says ranges in its report come from all 20 wells, and tap water depends on which wells serve your area.

Sources

  1. Drinking Water, City of Olympia — groundwater share, people and connections served, annual backflow tests; read 6 November 2026
  2. Olympia's drinking water quality, City of Olympia — sources, hardness, PFAS, fluoride, chlorine, staining; read 6 November 2026
  3. Backflow prevention, City of Olympia — owner duties, annual testing, online reports from 1 March 2026; read 6 November 2026
  4. Water Quality, City of Lacey — wells, aquifers, 2025 compliance, lead service line inventory; read 6 November 2026
  5. 2026 Water Quality Report, City of Lacey — hardness range, PFAS, vacuum breakers; read 6 November 2026
  6. Backflow Prevention Program, City of Lacey — irrigation assemblies and testing; read 6 November 2026

How this page was put together. This page uses the City of Olympia's drinking water, water quality and backflow pages and the City of Lacey's water quality page, 2026 report and backflow page, read on 6 November 2026. Tumwater figures could not be confirmed, so they are left out rather than assumed. It does not rate either city's water or recommend treatment equipment.

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