WaterVerge

Is Ammon, ID Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded D+, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

17K residents served 2 water systems PWSID: ID7100004
Overall Score
50.2 / 100
Violations
8 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#88 of 139 in Idaho Top 83% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
D+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
50.2/100
waterverge.com
D+ 50.2/100

Ammon, ID — Water Quality Report

Ammon's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50.2 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 17,383 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. UCMR 5 testing detected 1 PFAS compound in the water supply.

The system has 329 violations on record, including 52 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Ammon's water

Ammon ranks #88 out of 139 cities in Idaho for water quality, placing it below average in the state.

Ammon relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.

PFAS compounds were detected in testing, though levels remain within current EPA limits. Residents seeking extra precaution may consider an activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter.

Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.77 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.

The system has seen 44 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
50.2 out of 100 Grade D+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
0/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
15.2/20
B
1 PFAS compound detected.
Compliance
10/10
A
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Ammon, ID water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Ammon's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 17,383 residents using groundwater (wells).

8
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
1 compound
PFAS Detected
3 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Ammon

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

PFAS
1 PFAS "forever chemical" compound detected

Detected at levels within current EPA limits. PFAS persist indefinitely in the environment.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ammon's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50.2/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

2 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3244). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ammon's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

PFAS (1 compound) Elevated
Detected: Highest: lithium at 47.1000 µg/L Limit: 0.004 µg/L (EPA MCL)

Detected but within current EPA limits. PFAS do not break down in the environment and can accumulate in the body over time. An activated carbon filter can reduce exposure.

Violation history

Ammon's water system has 329 total violations on record, including 52 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 44 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

RPTMONMCLMROther
Most recent violations:
Jul 2025 LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS Open
Nov 2024 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Oct 2024 Nitrate Resolved
Oct 2024 Nitrate Resolved
Jul 2024 Nitrate Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Bonneville County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1964. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Great Western Spillback Nr Idaho Falls, Snake River Ab Eagle Rock Nr Idaho Falls, Sand Creek, Willow Creek Floodway Channel Nr Ucon, Willow Cr Floodway Channel.

HURRICANE KATRINA
Hurricane FEMA DR-3244
DAM COLLAPSE, FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-505
HEAVY RAINS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-186

Where does Ammon's water come from?

Ammon's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 17,383 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Great Western Spillback Nr Idaho Falls (river), Snake River Ab Eagle Rock Nr Idaho Falls (river), Sand Creek (river), Willow Creek Floodway Channel Nr Ucon (river), Willow Cr Floodway Channel (river).

What Ammon residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: Activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ammon's water.

Request your utility's CCR

Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.

Monitor alerts during storms

Ammon's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.

Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
lithium
PFAS / Forever Chemical
Near MCL
47.1000 µg/L
EPA MCL: 0.004 µg/L · +20% over limit
Detected
Chromium-6 (Hexavalent Chromium)
Inorganic
Detected
0.77 µg/L
CA MCL (no federal MCL): 10 µg/L · 8% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Strontium
Inorganic
Detected
450.0 µg/L
EPA Health Ref Level: 1,500 µg/L · 30% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Manganese
Inorganic
Detected
1.0 µg/L
EPA Secondary MCL: 50 µg/L · 2% of limit
DetectedUCMR 4 Data
Vanadium
Inorganic
Detected
3.80 µg/L
EPA Short-term HA: 21 µg/L · 18% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Molybdenum
Inorganic
Detected
1.10 µg/L
EPA Lifetime HA: 40 µg/L · 3% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Lithium
Inorganic
Detected
47.1 µg/L
State screening level: 60 µg/L · 79% of limit
DetectedNo federal MCLUCMR 5 Data (2023–2025)
PFAS Testing

Forever chemicals overview

National PFAS report →
30
Compounds tested
1
Detected
0
Exceed EPA MCL
Compliance Record

Violation summary

329
Total violations
52
Health-based
8
Active / unresolved
Jul 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

329 Total
8 Active
52 Health-based
321 Resolved
Violations by category
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
115
Nitrate Rule
67
Volatile Organic Chemicals
62
Total Coliform Rule
30
Inorganic Chemicals
28
Jul 2025 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Dec 2023 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2023 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
May 2022 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
May 2022 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
May 2019 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2009 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Nov 2024 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Nov 2024
Oct 2024 Resolved
Nitrate
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2024
Oct 2024 Resolved
Nitrate
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2024
Jul 2024 Resolved
Nitrate
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2024
Jul 2024 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2024
Apr 2024 Resolved
Nitrate
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2024
Jan 2024 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Jan 2024 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Jan 2024 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Jan 2024 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Jan 2024 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Jan 2024 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Showing 20 of 329 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Ammon

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Ammon, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
INGREDION INC IDAHO FALLS PLANT
Food · INGREDION INC
IDAHO FALLS, ID83402
4.6 mi
OLDCASTLE PRECAST INC
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · CRH AMERICAS INC
IDAHO FALLS, ID83402
4.5 mi
AMERICAN FABRICATION INC.
Fabricated Metals · NA
IDAHO FALLS, ID83402
6.3 mi
CRANNY PIT
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · KNIFE RIVER CORP
IDAHO FALLS, ID83402
5.0 mi
CIVES STEEL IDAHO
Fabricated Metals · CIVES CORP
IDAHO FALLS, ID83401
7.9 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Bonneville County is currently in D2 (severe drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.

6
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
20.5%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
6
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

3
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Bonneville County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1964. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA
Hurricane FEMA #3244
Jun 1976
DAM COLLAPSE, FLOODING
Flood FEMA #505
Dec 1964
HEAVY RAINS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #186

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Ammon's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🧪
For PFAS
Reverse Osmosis or Activated Carbon Block
1 PFAS compound detected

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
11Cl-PF3OUdS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
4:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
6:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
8:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
9Cl-PF3ONS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
ADONA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
HFPO-DA ND 0.01 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
lithium 47.100 HI µg/L PFAS Detected
NEtFOSAA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NFDHA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NMeFOSAA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFBA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFBS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFDA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFDoA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFEESA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHpA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHpS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHxA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHxS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFMBA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFMPA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFNA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFOA ND 0.004 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFOS ND 0.004 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFPeA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFPeS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFTA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFTrDA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFUnA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 4.3 ppb from 1992 (4.3 ppb) to 2025 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
17,383
Water Systems
2
Water Source

Where Ammon's water comes from

Groundwater

Ammon's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.

Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.

Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.

The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 17,383 people through 2 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Ammon

Ammon is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Great Western Spillback Nr Idaho Falls
river
Snake River Ab Eagle Rock Nr Idaho Falls
river
Sand Creek
river
Willow Creek Floodway Channel Nr Ucon
river
Willow Cr Floodway Channel
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Ammon

System Name PWSID Population Source
AMMON CITY OF ID7100004 17,338 GW
MEADOW LARK COURT LLC ID7330014 45 GW
Regional Comparison

How Ammon compares

Full Idaho rankings →

Ammon's score of 50.2/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major Idaho cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Ammon (this city)
50.2
Boise
33.6
Meridian
42.9
Nampa
41.8
Caldwell
38.5
Idaho avg
43
City Profile

About Ammon, ID

Economic Profile
$76,471
Median Income
$294,760
Median Home Value
$1,113/mo
Median Rent
3.1%
Unemployment
Community
32.9
Median Age
903
People / sq mi
39.4%
College Educated
71.7%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Ammon, ID tap water safe to drink?

Ammon's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50.2/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #88 out of 139 cities tested in Idaho.

What contaminants are in Ammon's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 1 PFAS compound was detected. 329 violations are on record.

How is Ammon's water quality grade calculated?

The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.

Do I need a water filter in Ammon?

PFAS compounds have been detected. A filter with activated carbon can help reduce exposure.

Where does Ammon's water come from?

Ammon's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 17,383 residents.

What health violations has Ammon's water system had?

Ammon has 52 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.

Is Ammon's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Ammon uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 329 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.

How does Ammon's water compare to other cities?

Ammon ranks #88 out of 139 cities in Idaho (better than 37% of state cities) and #13030 out of 15744 cities nationally (17th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.