Is Dalton Gardens, ID Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Dalton Gardens ranks. What to do next ↓
93.1/100
waterverge.com Dalton Gardens, ID — Water Quality Report
Dalton Gardens's drinking water received a grade of A (93.1 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,598 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 19 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Dalton Gardens's water
Dalton Gardens ranks #9 out of 139 cities in Idaho for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Dalton Gardens 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Dalton Gardens may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Dalton Gardens, ID water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Dalton Gardens's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A (93.1/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,598 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Dalton Gardens
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Dalton Gardens's water quality assessment. Grade: A (93.1/100).
Contaminants: Asbestos.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4313). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
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 Dalton Gardens's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Dalton Gardens's water system has 19 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
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. Local water sources include Coeur D Alene Lake, Spokane River.
Where does Dalton Gardens's water come from?
Dalton Gardens's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,598 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Coeur D Alene Lake (lake), Spokane River (river).
What Dalton Gardens 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.
Dalton Gardens'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 Dalton Gardens
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Dalton Gardens, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
IDAHO FOREST GROUP - CHILCO LAKE SAWMILL ATHOL, ID83801 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
MOR MANUFACTURING LLC POST FALLS, ID83854 | — | — | 5.2 mi |
PLUMMER FOREST PRODUCTS PARTICLEBOARD PLANT POST FALLS, ID83854 | — | — | 6.9 mi |
INTERSTATE CONCRETE & ASPHALT - WYOMING RATHDRUM, ID83858 | — | — | 7.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtKootenai 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Dalton Gardens'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. | 6.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Dalton Gardens compares by contaminant
Explore where Dalton Gardens ranks among all Idaho cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Dalton Gardens's water comes from
Dalton Gardens'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 2,598 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Dalton Gardens
Dalton Gardens is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Dalton Gardens
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DALTON WATER ASSN INC | ID1280059 | 2,598 | GW |
How Dalton Gardens compares
Full Idaho rankings →Dalton Gardens's score of 93.1/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major Idaho cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Idaho rankings →About Dalton Gardens, ID
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Dalton Gardens's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Kootenai
Frequently asked questions
Is Dalton Gardens, ID tap water safe to drink?
Dalton Gardens's water quality earned a grade of A (93.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #9 out of 139 cities tested in Idaho.
What contaminants are in Dalton Gardens's water?
Lead was measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile). 19 violations are on record.
How is Dalton Gardens'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 Dalton Gardens?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Dalton Gardens's water come from?
Dalton Gardens's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,598 residents.
What health violations has Dalton Gardens's water system had?
Dalton Gardens has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
Is Dalton Gardens's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Dalton Gardens 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 19 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 Dalton Gardens's water compare to other cities?
Dalton Gardens ranks #9 out of 139 cities in Idaho (better than 94% of state cities) and #964 out of 15744 cities nationally (94th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Dalton Gardens's small water system affect quality?
Dalton Gardens's system serves approximately 2,598 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 19 violations on record.