Is Garden Valley, 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 ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Garden Valley, ID — Water Quality Report
Garden Valley's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 8 water systems serve approximately 1,081 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 518 violations on record, including 109 health-based violations. 46 remain unresolved.
What to know about Garden Valley's water
Garden Valley ranks #117 out of 139 cities in Idaho for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Garden Valley 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, Garden Valley may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 11 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Garden Valley, ID water safe to drink?
Garden Valley's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 8 water systems serve approximately 1,081 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Garden Valley
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Garden Valley's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3244). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-186). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Garden Valley'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
Garden Valley's water system has 518 total violations on record, including 109 health-based violations. 46 remain unresolved. 11 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Boise County has experienced 2 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 Middle Fork Payette River Nr Crouch.
Where does Garden Valley's water come from?
Garden Valley's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 8 water systems serving approximately 1,081 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Middle Fork Payette River Nr Crouch (river).
What Garden Valley residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Garden Valley'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtBoise 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
Boise County has experienced 2 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 Garden Valley'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. | 1.0 | 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. | 1.41 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Garden Valley compares by contaminant
Explore where Garden Valley ranks among all Idaho cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Garden Valley's water comes from
Garden Valley'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,081 people through 8 water systems.
Water bodies near Garden Valley
Garden Valley is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Garden Valley
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOUNTAIN VIEW WATER AND ROAD ASSN | ID4080031 | 305 | GW |
| CASTLE MOUNTAIN CREEKS OWNERS ASSN | ID4080007 | 250 | SW |
| SCRIVER WOODS HOMEOWNERS ASSN | ID4080034 | 150 | GW |
| VALLEY HI ESTATES | ID4080051 | 140 | GW |
| MOUNTAIN SHADOWS HOA INC. | ID4080100 | 89 | GW |
| GARDEN VALLEY RANCHETTES HOMEOWNERS | ID4080018 | 78 | GW |
| SHILO RANCH ESTATES | ID4080042 | 44 | GW |
| SOUTHFORK LANDING INC | ID4080117 | 25 | GW |
How Garden Valley compares
Full Idaho rankings →Garden Valley's score of 46/100 is on par with the average of 43/100 among major Idaho cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Idaho rankings →About Garden Valley, ID
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Garden Valley's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Boise
Frequently asked questions
Is Garden Valley, ID tap water safe to drink?
Garden Valley's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #117 out of 139 cities tested in Idaho.
What contaminants are in Garden Valley's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 518 violations are on record.
How is Garden Valley'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 Garden Valley?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Garden Valley's water come from?
Garden Valley's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 8 water systems serving approximately 1,081 residents.
What health violations has Garden Valley's water system had?
Garden Valley has 109 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 46 violations remain unresolved.
Is Garden Valley's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Garden Valley 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 518 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 Garden Valley's water compare to other cities?
Garden Valley ranks #117 out of 139 cities in Idaho (better than 16% of state cities) and #14058 out of 15744 cities nationally (11th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.