Is Athol, ID Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 31 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Athol, ID — Water Quality Report
Athol's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 19 water systems serve approximately 4,019 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 341 violations on record, including 67 health-based violations. 31 remain unresolved.
What to know about Athol's water
Athol ranks #89 out of 139 cities in Idaho for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Athol 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.
The system has seen 17 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Athol, ID water safe to drink?
Athol's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 19 water systems serve approximately 4,019 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Athol
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Athol's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4313). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1781). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Athol's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Athol's water system has 341 total violations on record, including 67 health-based violations. 31 remain unresolved. 17 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Kootenai County has experienced 5 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.
Where does Athol's water come from?
Athol's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 19 water systems serving approximately 4,019 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Athol residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Athol's water.
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.
Athol'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.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Athol
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Athol, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
IDAHO FOREST GROUP - CHILCO LAKE SAWMILL ATHOL, ID83801 | — | — | 6.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtBonner 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.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Kootenai County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1964. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Athol compares by contaminant
Explore where Athol ranks among all Idaho cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Athol's water comes from
Athol'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 public/private ownership and serves approximately 4,019 people through 19 water systems.
Water systems serving Athol
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| REMINGTON REC WATER DIST | ID1280270 | 1,104 | GW |
| ATHOL CITY OF | ID1280006 | 990 | GW |
| PINEVIEW ESTATES WATER DIST | ID1280141 | 450 | GW |
| SOUTHVIEW TERRACE PARK | ID1280236 | 250 | GW |
| SPIRIT BEND WATER ASSN | ID1280175 | 145 | GW |
| FARRAGUT VILLAGE PROPERTY ASSN INC | ID1280070 | 130 | GW |
| PRAIRIE SCHOONER ESTATES | ID1280057 | 115 | GW |
| HACKNEY WATER AND SEWER DIST | ID1280080 | 108 | GW |
| WATERFORD ESTATES | ID1280292 | 108 | GW |
| LITTLE BLACKTAIL RANCH WATER DISTRICT | ID1090182 | 95 | SW |
| STEPPING STONES ESTATES | ID1280243 | 88 | GW |
| EIGHT MILE PRAIRIE | ID1280254 | 68 | GW |
| MOUNTAIN VIEW AT FARRAGUT PARK | ID1280308 | 62 | GW |
| MALABAR MOBILE HOME PARK | ID1280224 | 60 | GW |
| SILVER LEAF RANCH | ID1280318 | 57 | GW |
| MEADOW WOOD WATER SYSTEM | ID1090224 | 52 | GW |
| FLYING W RANCH | ID1280287 | 46 | GW |
| ROLLING MEADOWS RANCH | ID1280314 | 46 | GW |
| BERRY PATCH WATER ACRES ASSN | ID1090109 | 45 | GW |
How Athol compares
Full Idaho rankings →Athol's score of 50/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major Idaho cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Idaho rankings →About Athol, ID
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Athol's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Kootenai
Frequently asked questions
Is Athol, ID tap water safe to drink?
Athol's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #89 out of 139 cities tested in Idaho.
What contaminants are in Athol's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 341 violations are on record.
How is Athol'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 Athol?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Athol's water come from?
Athol's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 19 water systems serving approximately 4,019 residents.
What health violations has Athol's water system had?
Athol has 67 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 31 violations remain unresolved.
Is Athol's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Athol 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 341 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 Athol's water compare to other cities?
Athol ranks #89 out of 139 cities in Idaho (better than 36% of state cities) and #13075 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.