Is Genesee, ID Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Chlorate was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
88.3/100
waterverge.com Genesee, ID — Water Quality Report
Genesee's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,044 residents using groundwater.
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 59 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Genesee's water
Genesee ranks #34 out of 139 cities in Idaho for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Genesee 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.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.30 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
As a small community water system, Genesee may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Genesee, ID water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Genesee's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A- (88.3/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,044 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Genesee
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Genesee's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.3/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4443). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4313). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Genesee's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Genesee's water system has 59 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Latah County has experienced 6 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 Lapwai Creek Nr Lapwai, Clearwater River.
Where does Genesee's water come from?
Genesee's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,044 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Lapwai Creek Nr Lapwai (river), Clearwater River (river).
What Genesee 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.
Genesee'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 Genesee
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Genesee, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 66,488 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CLEARWATER PAPER CORP-PPD & CPD IDAHO LEWISTON, ID83501 | Methanol | 66,488 | 9.2 mi |
COLEMAN OIL CO LEWISTON, ID83501 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
POE ASPHALT PAVING INC LEWISTON, ID83501 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
IDAHO FOREST GROUP-LEWISTON LEWISTON, ID83501 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtLatah 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
Latah County has experienced 6 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Genesee compares by contaminant
Explore where Genesee ranks among all Idaho cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Genesee's water comes from
Genesee'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 1,044 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Genesee
Genesee is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Genesee
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GENESEE CITY OF | ID2290015 | 1,044 | GW |
How Genesee compares
Full Idaho rankings →Genesee's score of 88.3/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major Idaho cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Idaho rankings →About Genesee, ID
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Genesee's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Latah
Frequently asked questions
Is Genesee, ID tap water safe to drink?
Genesee's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #34 out of 139 cities tested in Idaho.
What contaminants are in Genesee's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 59 violations are on record.
How is Genesee'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 Genesee?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Genesee's water come from?
Genesee's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,044 residents.
What health violations has Genesee's water system had?
Genesee has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
Is Genesee's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Genesee 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 59 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 Genesee's water compare to other cities?
Genesee ranks #34 out of 139 cities in Idaho (better than 76% of state cities) and #3542 out of 15744 cities nationally (78th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Genesee's small water system affect quality?
Genesee's system serves approximately 1,044 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 59 violations on record.