WaterVerge

Is Filer, ID Tap Water Safe to Drink?

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

3K residents served 1 water system PWSID: ID5420021
Overall Score
70.8 / 100
Violations
8 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#72 of 139 in Idaho Top 68% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
70.8/100
waterverge.com
B- 70.8/100

Filer, ID — Water Quality Report

Filer's drinking water received a grade of B- (70.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,858 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 84 violations on record, including 34 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Filer's water

Filer ranks #72 out of 139 cities in Idaho for water quality, placing it below average in the state.

Filer 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, Filer may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
70.8 out of 100 Grade B-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
20.8/45
D
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Filer, ID water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Filer's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (70.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,858 residents using groundwater (wells).

8
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
2 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Filer

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Filer's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (70.8/100).

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: E. COLI.

Disaster
SEVERE WINTER STORMS AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4310). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

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 Filer's water supply.

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

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Filer's water system has 84 total violations on record, including 34 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

RPTMRMONMCLOther
Most recent violations:
Jul 2025 LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS Open
Jul 2025 LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS Open
Apr 2025 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Apr 2023 E. COLI Open
Oct 2022 Chlorine Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Twin Falls County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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 Snake River Nr Twin Falls, Rock Creek Ab Hwy 30/93 Xing, Snake River, Snake River Nr Buhl.

SEVERE WINTER STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4310
HURRICANE KATRINA
Hurricane FEMA DR-3244

Where does Filer's water come from?

Filer's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,858 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Snake River Nr Twin Falls (river), Rock Creek Ab Hwy 30/93 Xing (river), Snake River (river), Snake River Nr Buhl (river).

What Filer residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Filer'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.

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
Compliance Record

Violation summary

84
Total violations
34
Health-based
8
Active / unresolved
Jul 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

84 Total
8 Active
34 Health-based
76 Resolved
Violations by category
Arsenic Rule
36
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
13
Total Coliform Rule
12
Inorganic Chemicals
10
Public Notice Rule and Revised PN Rule
3
Jul 2025 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Jul 2025 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Apr 2025 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Apr 2023 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Aug 2016 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Dec 2010 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Nov 2010 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Oct 2022 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2022
Jul 2022 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2022
Sep 2021 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Sep 2021
Jul 2021 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2021
Apr 2021 Resolved
Arsenic
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2021
Jan 2021 Resolved
Arsenic
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 2021
Oct 2020 Resolved
Arsenic
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2020
Jul 2020 Resolved
Arsenic
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2020
Apr 2020 Resolved
Arsenic
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2020
Jan 2020 Resolved
Arsenic
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 2020
Oct 2019 Resolved
Arsenic
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2019
Jul 2019 Resolved
Arsenic
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2019
Showing 20 of 84 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Filer

Industrial polluters nearby

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

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
LAMB WESTON INC
Food · LAMB WESTON INC
TWIN FALLS, ID83301
6.4 mi
AMALGAMATED SUGAR CO
Food · AMALGAMATED SUGAR CO
TWIN FALLS, ID83301
9.0 mi
GLANBIA FOODS INC
Food · GLANBIA INC
TWIN FALLS, ID83301
6.6 mi
CHOBANI IDAHO
Food · CHOBANI GLOBAL HOLDINGS LLC
TWIN FALLS, ID83301
8.8 mi
LIPPERT COMPONENTS - TWIN FALLS #64
Fabricated Metals · LCI INDUSTRIES
TWIN FALLS, ID83301
9.5 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D4 — exceptional drought

Twin Falls County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 26.4% of the county is in D4 (exceptional) drought. Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
27.0%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

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

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

2
Declared disasters
Apr 2017
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Twin Falls County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Apr 2017
SEVERE WINTER STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4310
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA
Hurricane FEMA #3244

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 3.0 ppb from 1995 (3.0 ppb) to 2025 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,858
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Filer's water comes from

Groundwater

Filer'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 2,858 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Filer

Filer is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Snake River Nr Twin Falls
river
Rock Creek Ab Hwy 30/93 Xing
river
Snake River
river
Snake River Nr Buhl
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Filer

System Name PWSID Population Source
FILER WATER WORKS ID5420021 2,858 GW
Regional Comparison

How Filer compares

Full Idaho rankings →

Filer's score of 70.8/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major Idaho cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Filer (this city)
70.8
Boise
33.6
Meridian
42.9
Nampa
41.8
Caldwell
38.5
Idaho avg
43
City Profile

About Filer, ID

Economic Profile
$48,559
Median Income
$198,461
Median Home Value
$1,012/mo
Median Rent
3.3%
Unemployment
Community
30.2
Median Age
1,024
People / sq mi
14%
College Educated
70.4%
Homeownership
Share this reportHelp others learn about their water quality
WhatsAppXFacebookLinkedInEmail

Frequently asked questions

Is Filer, ID tap water safe to drink?

Filer's water quality earned a grade of B- (70.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #72 out of 139 cities tested in Idaho.

What contaminants are in Filer's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 84 violations are on record.

How is Filer'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 Filer?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Filer's water come from?

Filer's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,858 residents.

What health violations has Filer's water system had?

Filer has 34 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 Filer's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Filer 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 84 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 Filer's water compare to other cities?

Filer ranks #72 out of 139 cities in Idaho (better than 48% of state cities) and #10675 out of 15744 cities nationally (32th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Filer's small water system affect quality?

Filer's system serves approximately 2,858 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 84 violations on record.