Is Grace, ID Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
73.5/100
waterverge.com Grace, ID — Water Quality Report
Grace's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,045 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 151 violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Grace's water
Grace ranks #68 out of 139 cities in Idaho for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Grace 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, Grace may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Grace, ID water safe to drink?
Grace's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,045 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Grace
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Grace's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.5/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper 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 Grace'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
Grace's water system has 151 total violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Caribou 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 Bear River.
Where does Grace's water come from?
Grace's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,045 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Bear River (river).
What Grace residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Grace'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 droughtCaribou 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
Caribou 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 Grace'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. | 2.0 | 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. | 1.74 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.740 mg/L (2022)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Grace compares by contaminant
Explore where Grace ranks among all Idaho cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Grace's water comes from
Grace'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 1,045 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Grace
Grace is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Grace
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRACE CITY OF | ID6150010 | 920 | GW |
| TROUT CREEK CULINARY WATER INC | ID6150019 | 90 | GW |
| WHISKEY CREEK WATER USERS | ID6150024 | 35 | GW |
How Grace compares
Full Idaho rankings →Grace's score of 73.5/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major Idaho cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Idaho rankings →About Grace, ID
Wikipedia →Grace is a city in Caribou County, Idaho, United States. The population was 920 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Grace's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Caribou
Frequently asked questions
Is Grace, ID tap water safe to drink?
Grace's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #68 out of 139 cities tested in Idaho.
What contaminants are in Grace's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 151 violations are on record.
How is Grace'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 Grace?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Grace's water come from?
Grace's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,045 residents.
What health violations has Grace's water system had?
Grace has 14 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. 10 violations remain unresolved.
Is Grace's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Grace 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 151 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 Grace's water compare to other cities?
Grace ranks #68 out of 139 cities in Idaho (better than 51% of state cities) and #10077 out of 15744 cities nationally (36th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.