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Fruitland Mutual Water Company

Puyallup, WA · serves 14,773 · GroundwaterWA5326800
Action recommended
PFAS detected above the federal limit. Utilities have until 2029 to install treatment; until then, a certified filter handles it at the tap.
See filter recommendations →
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Measured in your 2025 water report
From your utility's Consumer Confidence Report · 83 contaminants tested
Above limit
Approaching limit
Within limits
Regulated contaminants — legally enforceable limits
Arsenic▸
0.001 mg/L · Aug 2025
MCLlegally enforceable
Sample history
Range: 0.001 to 0.001 mg/L across 2 samples (Aug 18, 2025).
What is it?
A naturally occurring element found in rock and soil. Gets into drinking water through erosion of natural deposits or runoff from industrial and agricultural sources.
Why it matters
Long-term exposure is linked to increased risk of skin, bladder, and lung cancer. There is no safe level for arsenic — the MCL of 10 µg/L balances health protection with treatment feasibility.
What to do
If your water is near or above the limit, a reverse osmosis filter certified to NSF/ANSI 58 removes over 90% of arsenic. Point-of-use filters at the kitchen tap are effective and affordable.
What the research says
Multiple peer-reviewed studies have found congenital heart defects including atrial septal defects at concentrations as low as 0.0005 mg/L — 20x below the US federal limit.
Nitrate (as N)▸
3.26 mg/L · Aug 2025
MCLlegally enforceable
Sample history
Range: 0.25 to 3.26 mg/L across 10 samples (Aug 2024 to Aug 2025).
What is it?
Comes from fertilizer runoff, septic systems, and erosion of natural deposits. One of the most common groundwater contaminants in agricultural areas.
Why it matters
Nitrate above 10 mg/L can cause "blue baby syndrome" (methemoglobinemia) in infants under 6 months — it interferes with blood's ability to carry oxygen. Adults can tolerate higher levels.
What to do
If you have an infant on formula and your water is above 5 mg/L, consider using bottled water for formula preparation. Boiling water does NOT remove nitrate — it concentrates it.
What the research says
Multiple peer-reviewed studies have found neural tube defects, preterm birth, and low birth weight at concentrations as low as 5 mg/L — 2x below the US federal limit.
Nitrate + Nitrite (as N)▸
3.26 mg/L · Aug 2025
MCLlegally enforceable
Sample history
Range: 3.1 to 3.26 mg/L across 2 samples (Aug 18, 2025).
No additional information available for this contaminant.
Disinfection byproducts
DBCM▸
1.1 µg/L · Sep 2025
MCLGhealth goal, unenforced
Sample history
Range: 0.52 to 1.13 µg/L across 8 samples (Sep 2024 to Sep 2025).
What is it?
A brominated trihalomethane formed when chlorine reacts with bromide-containing organic matter. More common in source waters with higher bromide levels — often coastal or groundwater systems.
Why it matters
EPA sets the MCLG at 0.06 mg/L based on liver and kidney effects. Some evidence suggests DBCM may be carcinogenic, though the data is less clear than for BDCM and bromoform. Regulated together with the other three trihalomethanes under TTHM.
What to do
Like other THMs, DBCM forms in the distribution system as chlorine reacts over time. A point-of-use carbon-block filter (NSF/ANSI 53) reduces it along with related compounds.
Chloroform▸
0.9 µg/L · Sep 2025
MCLGhealth goal, unenforced
Sample history
Range: 0.9 to 0.93 µg/L across 8 samples (Sep 2024 to Sep 2025).
What is it?
A disinfection byproduct formed when chlorine reacts with naturally occurring organic matter in source water. The most common of the four trihalomethanes.
Why it matters
Long-term exposure has been associated with increased risk of bladder cancer and possibly colorectal cancer. EPA classifies it as a probable human carcinogen and sets an MCLG of 0.07 mg/L based on liver effects. Regulated together with three other trihalomethanes under the TTHM standard (80 µg/L).
What to do
Chloroform levels are largely a function of how your utility manages disinfection. If TTHM is approaching the limit, a carbon-block filter (NSF/ANSI 53 certified for VOCs or specifically for trihalomethanes) at point-of-use reduces it. Letting cold water run for 30 seconds before drinking can also help, since chloroform forms in the distribution system.
BDCM▸
1.1 µg/L · Sep 2025
Sample history
Range: 0.67 to 1.1 µg/L across 8 samples (Sep 2024 to Sep 2025).
What is it?
A brominated trihalomethane formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter and bromide in source water. One of four trihalomethanes regulated together under TTHM.
Why it matters
EPA classifies BDCM as a probable human carcinogen and sets the MCLG at zero, meaning the agency identifies no safe lifetime exposure level. Studies link it to bladder and colon cancer, and to reproductive and developmental effects at high exposures. The enforceable limit (80 µg/L for total TTHM) reflects what's feasible to achieve, not what's safest.
What to do
BDCM is formed in your utility's system, so reducing it generally means reducing total disinfection byproducts there. At point-of-use, a carbon-block filter certified for VOCs or trihalomethanes (NSF/ANSI 53) reduces BDCM along with other THMs.
Bromoform▸
0.7 µg/L · Sep 2025
Sample history
Range: 0.7 to 1.34 µg/L across 8 samples (Sep 2024 to Sep 2025).
What is it?
A fully brominated trihalomethane, formed when chlorine reacts with high-bromide source water. More common in coastal and arid-region systems where source water naturally contains bromide.
Why it matters
EPA classifies bromoform as a probable human carcinogen, with an MCLG of zero. Animal studies show liver and intestinal tumors; human evidence is more limited but consistent with the other brominated THMs. Regulated under the TTHM standard (80 µg/L for the sum of all four).
What to do
Reducing bromoform usually means working at the source — your utility may need to adjust disinfection or pretreatment. At home, an NSF/ANSI 53 carbon-block filter reduces bromoform along with the other THMs.
TTHM▸
2.75 µg/L · Sep 2025
MCLlegally enforceable
Sample history
Range: 0.52 to 3.16 µg/L across 5 samples (Sep 2024 to Sep 2025).
What is it?
Formed when chlorine used to disinfect water reacts with natural organic matter. Includes chloroform, bromoform, and related compounds. The trade-off: disinfection prevents waterborne disease, but creates these byproducts.
Why it matters
Long-term exposure above the MCL of 80 µg/L (0.080 mg/L) is associated with increased cancer risk and possible reproductive effects. The MCL is based on a running annual average, not a single sample.
What to do
If your system is near or above the limit, an activated carbon filter (including pitcher filters like Brita) can reduce THMs. Running water for a minute before drinking also helps, as THMs are volatile and dissipate.
PFAS
PFOS▸
3.63 ng/L · Oct 2025
MCLlegally enforceable
Sample history
Range: 2.79 to 3.88 ng/L across 20 samples (Oct 2024 to Oct 2025).
What is it?
Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid — a "forever chemical" widely used in firefighting foam, stain repellents, and food packaging. Persists indefinitely in the environment.
Why it matters
MCL of 4 ng/L, same as PFOA. PFOS is linked to cancer, immune suppression, thyroid disease, and elevated cholesterol. It accumulates in the body over years of exposure.
What to do
Same as PFOA — reverse osmosis or NSF/ANSI 53-certified activated carbon filters. Utilities have until 2029 to comply.
What the research says
Multiple peer-reviewed studies have found preeclampsia, reduced birth weight, and impaired immune response in infants with a dose-response relationship across the range of concentrations found in drinking water.
PFOA▸
3.39 ng/L · Oct 2025
MCLlegally enforceable
Sample history
Range: 2.27 to 3.58 ng/L across 20 samples (Oct 2024 to Oct 2025).
What is it?
Perfluorooctanoic acid — a "forever chemical" used in non-stick coatings, stain repellents, and firefighting foam. It doesn't break down in the environment or your body.
Why it matters
The EPA set an MCL of 4 ng/L (parts per trillion) in 2024 — one of the strictest drinking water standards ever set. PFOA is linked to cancer, thyroid disease, immune system effects, and reproductive harm.
What to do
A reverse osmosis filter (NSF/ANSI 58) or activated carbon filter (NSF/ANSI 53 certified for PFOA) can reduce levels by 90%+. Pitcher filters with activated carbon provide partial reduction. Utilities have until 2029 to comply with the new MCL.
What the research says
Multiple peer-reviewed studies have found preeclampsia, low birth weight, and immunotoxicity in infants with a dose-response relationship across the range of concentrations found in drinking water.
PFHxS▸
2.21 ng/L · Oct 2025
MCLlegally enforceable
Sample history
Range: 2.03 to 5.18 ng/L across 20 samples (Oct 2024 to Oct 2025).
What is it?
Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid — a shorter-chain PFAS compound found in firefighting foam and consumer products.
Why it matters
MCL of 10 ng/L. Like other PFAS, it persists in the body and environment. Linked to thyroid and immune effects.
What to do
Reverse osmosis filters are most effective for PFAS removal. Activated carbon provides partial reduction.
PFBS▸
5.2 ng/L · Oct 2025
MCLlegally enforceable
Sample history
Range: 3.12 to 5.47 ng/L across 20 samples (Oct 2024 to Oct 2025).
What is it?
Perfluorobutane sulfonic acid — a short-chain PFAS compound. Part of the EPA's Hazard Index approach for PFAS mixtures.
Why it matters
Regulated as part of the PFAS mixture Hazard Index, not as a standalone MCL. Short-chain PFAS are harder to remove from water but are excreted from the body faster than long-chain PFAS.
What to do
Reverse osmosis is the most effective removal method for short-chain PFAS.
PFHxA▸
3.13 ng/L · Oct 2025
Sample history
Range: 2.85 to 3.71 ng/L across 20 samples (Oct 2024 to Oct 2025).
No additional information available for this contaminant.
PFPeA▸
3.03 ng/L · Oct 2025
Sample history
Range: 2.5 to 3.27 ng/L across 20 samples (Oct 2024 to Oct 2025).
No additional information available for this contaminant.
WHO recommendation
Sodium▸
9 mg/L · Aug 2025
WHO guidelineinternational, unenforced
Sample history
Range: 8.2 to 9 mg/L across 2 samples (Aug 18, 2025).
What is it?
Naturally present in most water sources. Also increases from road salt, water softeners, and natural mineral deposits.
Why it matters
There is no federal MCL for sodium. The WHO suggests a guideline of 200 mg/L for people on sodium-restricted diets. For most people, sodium in water is a small fraction of dietary intake.
What to do
If you're on a sodium-restricted diet and your water is above 20 mg/L, talk to your doctor. For most people, no action needed.
% of limit

Other measurements

These describe characteristics of the water that aren’t health risks at typical levels — mineral content, taste, hardness, and similar.

Hardness
▸
116 mg/L· moderately hard
Chloride
▸
12.2 mg/L
(EPA secondary standard: 250 mg/L)
Specific Conductance
▸
235 µmhos/cm
(EPA secondary standard: 1600 µmhos/cm)
Sulfate
▸
12.4 mg/L
(EPA secondary standard: 250 mg/L)

CCR data in early access — values are extracted from utility PDFs and may contain errors. Verify with your utility's 2025 CCR report.

Source: FRUITLAND MUTUAL WATER COMPANY Consumer Confidence Report 2025 · Extracted by WaterScore
Measured data
Private Well Risk

Do you have or use a private well? Measured concentrations from nearby private wells sampled within 5 miles.

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5 sites within 10 mi
Nearby Superfund Sites

5 EPA Superfund sites within 10 miles. Proximity does not necessarily mean your water is affected.

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Blended supply
Water Sources

Puyallup uses both groundwater and surface water sources, giving it more supply flexibility during drought conditions. Emergency backup sources are available if primary supplies are disrupted.

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Spatial context
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