Water Quality Across America
Ever wonder which states have the purest, freshest tap water? We ranked the top 25 states with the cleanest drinking water using data on water quality reports, treatment standards, and natural water sources. From mountain springs to super-strict testing, these states take their H2O seriously. Ready to see where your state lands?
What Makes Water Bad?
Bad water usually comes from pollution, outdated pipes, or poor treatment systems. Things like industrial runoff, farm chemicals, and old lead pipes can make tap water unsafe. When water isn’t filtered or monitored properly, it can carry harmful stuff like bacteria and heavy metals. That’s why strong water safety laws and modern infrastructure matter so much when it comes to what’s coming out of your faucet.
Who Checks Our Water?
In the US, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets national standards for drinking water quality. State and local agencies run frequent tests to check for bacteria, lead, and other contaminants. Water utilities also publish annual reports, so people know exactly what's in their tap water. Thanks to all these watchful eyes, most Americans can trust that their water is safe to drink.
Now, let's find out if your state makes the top 25.
USEPA Environmental-Protection-Agency, Wikimedia Commons
#25: Indiana
Indiana doesn’t always get credit for its efforts, but the state has been investing in modern water treatment and pipe upgrades. Many areas draw from deep groundwater, which is naturally cleaner. While agricultural runoff can be a problem in some places, overall, Indiana’s tap water is surprisingly high-quality and reliable.
User:Vmenkov, Wikimedia Commons
#24: Illinois
Illinois, especially around Chicago, benefits from Lake Michigan’s fresh water. The state has made strides in upgrading treatment plants and reducing lead pipes. Some rural areas still face challenges, but overall, Illinois offers safe and clean water to most of its residents. Thanks to big city investments and stricter monitoring, it ranks well on our list.
Benjamin D. Esham (bdesham), Wikimedia Commons
#23: Wisconsin
With its “fresh coast” of lakes, Wisconsin has a great head start. The state’s strict monitoring and protection of groundwater help keep contamination low. Milwaukee’s water system is one of the best in the country after big investments. Even small towns pride themselves on fresh, tasty tap water, making Wisconsin a hidden gem for clean H2O.
Elkhartlake, Wikimedia Commons
#22: Texas
Texas has stepped up big time to protect its water. New regulations on industrial discharges and strong groundwater protections have paid off. Big cities like Austin and San Antonio boast great tap water. Rural communities continue to improve as the state replaces aging pipes. Overall, Texas is moving in the right direction for cleaner, safer water.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, photographer not specified or unknown, Wikimedia Commons
#21: North Carolina
North Carolina is cleaning up its act with better regulations on industrial and agricultural pollutants. The state benefits from lots of protected forest watersheds and mountain springs. Charlotte and Raleigh have modern water treatment plants that help keep tap water safe and fresh. Overall, North Carolina's water is climbing the charts for quality.
Hot Springs Tourism & Welcome Center, Wikimedia Commons
#20: Missouri
Missouri is often overlooked but has some of the freshest groundwater sources around. The Ozark region, in particular, provides naturally clean water to many communities. The state has strong monitoring programs, and most water systems score well on safety tests. With fewer industrial threats, Missouri quietly ranks high for its crisp, clean drinking water.
KTrimble (talk), Wikimedia Commons
#19: Georgia
Georgia’s water sources come from well-protected mountain reservoirs and rivers. Cities like Atlanta have upgraded treatment facilities and focus on reducing runoff contamination. Rural areas benefit from natural springs and clean aquifers. With better environmental oversight in recent years, Georgia offers reliable and safe drinking water that residents are proud of.
Diego Delso, Wikimedia Commons
#18: Colorado
Colorado's high-altitude snowmelt and protected watersheds make for some of the freshest tap water in the country. Denver and Boulder invest heavily in advanced filtration. Rural areas rely on pristine mountain springs. The state’s commitment to environmental protection keeps contaminants low, making Colorado’s water taste as fresh as its mountain air.
Rhododendrites, Wikimedia Commons
#17: Minnesota
Minnesota’s lakes aren’t just pretty — they help supply some of the country’s cleanest water. Strict environmental laws keep agricultural runoff in check, and cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul have top-notch treatment systems. Groundwater sources add an extra layer of purity. Overall, Minnesota tap water is as refreshing as its northern breeze.
Gabriel Vanslette, Wikimedia Commons
#16: Utah
Utah’s high mountain snowmelt provides naturally clean water sources. Cities like Salt Lake City treat and test their water rigorously. With less industry and strong protections for natural sources, Utah keeps contamination risks low. Residents love their crisp, refreshing tap water that tastes like it came straight from the mountain.
Brigitte Werner (werner22brigitte), Wikimedia Commons
#15: Vermont
Vermont’s small towns and big mountains mean less pollution and more pure water. Many areas rely on deep wells and protected reservoirs. Strict state standards ensure minimal contaminants. Vermont residents enjoy tap water that’s almost as clean as spring water — crisp, clear, and delicious.
King of Hearts, Wikimedia Commons
#14: Washington
With protected forests and mountain-fed watersheds, Washington’s water supply is among the purest. Seattle’s water comes from rain and snowmelt collected in pristine mountain areas. The state’s strict environmental policies keep pollutants low. Washington’s tap water is so good, many people say it tastes better than bottled.
Clemens Vasters from Viersen, Germany, Wikimedia Commons
#13: Michigan
After the Flint crisis, Michigan put major focus on water safety. The state has replaced thousands of lead pipes and improved testing standards. Many areas, especially around the Great Lakes, now have excellent water quality. While rebuilding trust takes time, Michigan’s tap water is cleaner than ever.
Rachel Kramer, Wikimedia Commons
#12: Idaho
Idaho’s rural nature and mountain sources make for some of the country’s cleanest tap water. Many communities rely on deep groundwater with minimal treatment needed. State regulations help protect these natural sources. Idaho’s water is so clean that locals proudly drink straight from the tap without hesitation.
Charles Knowles from Meridian Idaho, USA, Wikimedia Commons
#11: Oregon
Oregon’s water comes from protected forest watersheds and mountain snowmelt. Cities like Portland invest in advanced treatment to keep water safe and tasty. Strong environmental policies minimize contamination. Residents enjoy crisp, refreshing tap water that rivals bottled brands — it’s truly one of Oregon’s best natural perks.
#10: Maine
Maine’s abundance of lakes, rivers, and forested watersheds keeps its water supply naturally clean. With strict monitoring and minimal industrial activity, contaminants stay low. Residents often describe their tap water as “sweet” and refreshing. Maine’s water is as pure and crisp as a winter morning in the Pine Tree State.
Fredlyfish4, Wikimedia Commons
#9: Nebraska
Nebraska’s water comes from some of the largest underground aquifers in the world. These natural sources mean fewer contaminants from surface pollution. Regular state testing keeps everything in check. Many Nebraskans boast that their tap water tastes like bottled spring water. A quiet state with surprisingly clean water.
Roman Eugeniusz, Wikimedia Commons
#8: Alaska
Alaska’s water is among the cleanest thanks to its vast wilderness and low industrial impact. Many communities rely on glacier-fed rivers and pristine lakes. Strict standards and minimal pollution threats keep water crystal clear. Drinking water in Alaska feels like sipping straight from a mountain stream — pure and refreshing.
ra64 from nome, usa, Wikimedia Commons
#7: Connecticut
Connecticut’s focus on protected watersheds and strict state standards make its tap water top-notch. Many cities draw from reservoirs in forested areas, keeping contamination low. Connecticut consistently scores high on EPA reports, and residents enjoy water that’s safe, fresh, and tastes great straight from the tap.
#6: Rhode Island
Rhode Island might be the smallest state, but it takes water quality seriously. Protected forest areas and tight regulations mean very low contamination levels. Cities like Providence deliver water that’s clean and delicious. Rhode Islanders enjoy some of the purest tap water in the country — a big win for a tiny state.
#5: South Dakota
South Dakota’s water sources are protected and naturally clean, thanks to deep aquifers and limited industrial pollution. Rural communities especially enjoy fresh, high-quality tap water. Strict state monitoring and low population density help keep it that way. South Dakota is truly a prairie powerhouse when it comes to clean drinking water.
#4: Wyoming
Wyoming benefits from snowmelt and deep aquifers with minimal contaminants. Low industrial activity and rigorous testing make its water impressively pure. Communities take pride in their crisp, refreshing tap water. Wyoming proves that big open skies and clean water go hand in hand.
#3: Montana
Montana’s towering mountains and glacier-fed rivers provide some of the purest water sources around. Small towns and even larger communities enjoy clean, naturally filtered water. With strict state standards and strong conservation efforts, Montana’s water quality is top-tier. Every sip feels like you’re drinking straight from a mountain stream.
David Broad, Wikimedia Commons
#2: New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s water comes mostly from protected forest watersheds and underground sources. Strict state testing and minimal pollution make it some of the freshest in the country. Residents often brag that their tap water tastes better than bottled. New Hampshire ranks near the top for its crisp, mountain-fresh drinking water.
Ken Gallager, Wikimedia Commons
#1: Hawaii
Hawaii’s drinking water is sourced from rainwater that naturally filters through volcanic rock, creating some of the cleanest tap water in the world. Strict state standards and minimal industrial threats keep it pristine. Locals and visitors alike rave about how fresh and delicious it tastes. Hawaii proudly claims the crown for America’s cleanest drinking water.
Anthony Quintano from Honolulu, HI, United States, Wikimedia Commons
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