Is Carey, ID Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.8/100
waterverge.com Carey, ID — Water Quality Report
Carey's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 993 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.0 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 36 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Carey's water
Carey ranks #25 out of 139 cities in Idaho for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Carey 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.
As a small community water system, Carey may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Carey, ID water safe to drink?
Carey's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 993 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Carey
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Carey's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.8/100).
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4333). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Radium-226, Radium-228, Combined Uranium.
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 Carey's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Carey's water system has 36 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Blaine 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 Little Wood River Nr Carey.
Where does Carey's water come from?
Carey's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 993 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Little Wood River Nr Carey (river).
What Carey residents can do
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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Carey'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
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtBlaine County is currently in D3 (extreme 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
Blaine 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.
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. | 4.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Carey compares by contaminant
Explore where Carey ranks among all Idaho cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Carey's water comes from
Carey'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 993 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Carey
Carey is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Carey
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAREY WATER AND SEWER | ID5070010 | 993 | GW |
How Carey compares
Full Idaho rankings →Carey's score of 89.8/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major Idaho cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Idaho rankings →About Carey, ID
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Carey's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Blaine
Frequently asked questions
Is Carey, ID tap water safe to drink?
Carey's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #25 out of 139 cities tested in Idaho.
What contaminants are in Carey's water?
Lead was measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile). 36 violations are on record.
How is Carey'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 Carey?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Carey's water come from?
Carey's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 993 residents.
What health violations has Carey's water system had?
Carey has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Carey's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Carey 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 36 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 Carey's water compare to other cities?
Carey ranks #25 out of 139 cities in Idaho (better than 82% of state cities) and #2598 out of 15744 cities nationally (84th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Carey's small water system affect quality?
Carey's system serves approximately 993 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 36 violations on record.