Is Glenns Ferry, ID Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.3/100
waterverge.com Glenns Ferry, ID — Water Quality Report
Glenns Ferry's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,282 residents using surface water.
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 33 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Glenns Ferry's water
Glenns Ferry ranks #27 out of 139 cities in Idaho for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Glenns Ferry may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Glenns Ferry, ID water safe to drink?
Glenns Ferry's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,282 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Glenns Ferry
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Glenns Ferry's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.3/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4333). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4310). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Glenns Ferry's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Glenns Ferry's water system has 33 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Elmore County has experienced 4 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 Snake River.
Where does Glenns Ferry's water come from?
Glenns Ferry's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,282 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Snake River (river).
What Glenns Ferry 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.
Glenns Ferry'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
D2 — severe droughtElmore 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
Elmore County has experienced 4 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Glenns Ferry compares by contaminant
Explore where Glenns Ferry ranks among all Idaho cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Glenns Ferry's water comes from
Glenns Ferry's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,282 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Glenns Ferry
Glenns Ferry is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Glenns Ferry
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GLENNS FERRY CITY OF | ID4200022 | 1,282 | SW |
How Glenns Ferry compares
Full Idaho rankings →Glenns Ferry's score of 89.3/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major Idaho cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Idaho rankings →About Glenns Ferry, ID
Wikipedia →Glenns Ferry is a city in Elmore County, Idaho, United States. The population was 1,293 at the 2020 census. The city is adjacent to Interstate 84 and the Snake River.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Glenns Ferry's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Elmore
Frequently asked questions
Is Glenns Ferry, ID tap water safe to drink?
Glenns Ferry's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #27 out of 139 cities tested in Idaho.
What contaminants are in Glenns Ferry's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 33 violations are on record.
How is Glenns Ferry'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 Glenns Ferry?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Glenns Ferry's water come from?
Glenns Ferry's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,282 residents.
What health violations has Glenns Ferry's water system had?
Glenns Ferry has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Glenns Ferry's water compare to other cities?
Glenns Ferry ranks #27 out of 139 cities in Idaho (better than 81% of state cities) and #2921 out of 15744 cities nationally (82th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Glenns Ferry's small water system affect quality?
Glenns Ferry's system serves approximately 1,282 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 33 violations on record.