Is Bonners Ferry, ID Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
47/100
waterverge.com Bonners Ferry, ID — Water Quality Report
Bonners Ferry's drinking water received a grade of D (47 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 11 water systems serve approximately 9,837 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 1001 violations on record, including 516 health-based violations. 44 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bonners Ferry's water
Bonners Ferry ranks #111 out of 139 cities in Idaho for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
The system has seen 94 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bonners Ferry, ID water safe to drink?
Bonners Ferry's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (47/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 11 water systems serve approximately 9,837 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Bonners Ferry
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bonners Ferry's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Lead and Copper Rule.
2 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, CARBON, TOTAL, Combined Uranium.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4313). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Bonners Ferry's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Bonners Ferry's water system has 1,001 total violations on record, including 516 health-based violations. 44 remain unresolved. 94 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Boundary County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Kootenai River Bel Moyie River Nr Bonners Ferry, Kootenai River, Kootenai River Tribal Hatchery Nr Bonners Ferry.
Where does Bonners Ferry's water come from?
Bonners Ferry's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 11 water systems serving approximately 9,837 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Kootenai River Bel Moyie River Nr Bonners Ferry (river), Kootenai River (river), Kootenai River Tribal Hatchery Nr Bonners Ferry (river).
What Bonners Ferry residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bonners Ferry'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.
Bonners Ferry'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 Bonners Ferry
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bonners Ferry, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
IDAHO FOREST GROUP -- MOYIE SPRINGS MOYIE SPRINGS, ID83845 | — | — | 6.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtBoundary County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Boundary County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1974. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Bonners Ferry's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bonners Ferry compares by contaminant
Explore where Bonners Ferry ranks among all Idaho cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bonners Ferry's water comes from
Bonners Ferry's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 9,837 people through 11 water systems.
Water bodies near Bonners Ferry
Bonners Ferry is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Bonners Ferry
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BONNERS FERRY CITY OF | ID1110003 | 3,367 | SW |
| THREE MILE WATER DIST | ID1110028 | 2,458 | GW |
| CABINET MOUNTAINS WATER DIST | ID1110042 | 2,335 | GW |
| BEE LINE WATER ASSN INC | ID1110001 | 533 | SW |
| MISSION CREEK WATER ASSN | ID1110019 | 263 | GW |
| PARADISE VALLEY WATER ASSN | ID1110023 | 250 | SW |
| TWENTY MILE CREEK WATER ASSN | ID1110030 | 225 | SW |
| SKIN CREEK WATER ASSN | ID1110025 | 200 | SW |
| TROW CREEK WATER ASSN | ID1110029 | 98 | SW |
| MORAVIA WATER ASSN | ID1110020 | 80 | GW |
| COW CREEK WATER ASSN | ID1110007 | 28 | GW |
How Bonners Ferry compares
Full Idaho rankings →Bonners Ferry's score of 47/100 is on par with the average of 43/100 among major Idaho cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Idaho rankings →About Bonners Ferry, ID
Wikipedia →Bonners Ferry is the largest city in and the county seat of Boundary County, Idaho, United States. The population was 2,520 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bonners Ferry's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Boundary
Frequently asked questions
Is Bonners Ferry, ID tap water safe to drink?
Bonners Ferry's water quality earned a grade of D (47/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #111 out of 139 cities tested in Idaho.
What contaminants are in Bonners Ferry's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 1001 violations are on record.
How is Bonners Ferry'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 Bonners Ferry?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bonners Ferry's water come from?
Bonners Ferry's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 11 water systems serving approximately 9,837 residents.
What health violations has Bonners Ferry's water system had?
Bonners Ferry has 516 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. 44 violations remain unresolved.
How does Bonners Ferry's water compare to other cities?
Bonners Ferry ranks #111 out of 139 cities in Idaho (better than 20% of state cities) and #13683 out of 15744 cities nationally (13th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.