Is Homedale, ID Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Manganese was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
81.2/100
waterverge.com Homedale, ID — Water Quality Report
Homedale's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,052 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 76 violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Homedale's water
Homedale ranks #54 out of 139 cities in Idaho for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Homedale 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, Homedale may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Homedale, ID water safe to drink?
Homedale's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,052 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Homedale
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Homedale's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.2/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: E. COLI, Chlorine.
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 Homedale's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Homedale's water system has 76 total violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Owyhee 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 Conway Gulch Below 1St, Dixie Drain Nr Wilder.
Where does Homedale's water come from?
Homedale's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,052 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Conway Gulch Below 1St (river), Dixie Drain Nr Wilder (river).
What Homedale residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Homedale'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Homedale
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Homedale, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FORTERRA STRUCTURAL SPECIALTY PRODUCTS - CALDWELL CALDWELL, ID83607 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
SUNROC CORP - NOTUS HOT MIX ASPHALT PLANT CALDWELL, ID83607 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
HOMEDALE BEAM & DECK PLANT HOMEDALE, ID83628 | — | — | 1.3 mi |
AMVAC CHEMICAL MARSING, ID83639 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtOwyhee County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 44.6% 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.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Owyhee 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.
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 Homedale compares by contaminant
Explore where Homedale ranks among all Idaho cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Homedale's water comes from
Homedale'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 3,052 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Homedale
Homedale is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Homedale
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOMEDALE CITY OF | ID3370012 | 2,999 | GW |
| PIONEER MOBILE HOME PARK LLC | ID3370035 | 53 | GW |
How Homedale compares
Full Idaho rankings →Homedale's score of 81.2/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major Idaho cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Idaho rankings →About Homedale, ID
Wikipedia →Homedale is a city in Owyhee County Idaho. As of the 2020 census, Homedale had a population of 2,881. The town name was chosen by drawing names from a hat during a community picnic. Homedale is part of the Boise metropolitan area. It was, at one time, the terminus of a branch of the Oregon Short Line Railroad.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Homedale's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Owyhee
Frequently asked questions
Is Homedale, ID tap water safe to drink?
Homedale's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #54 out of 139 cities tested in Idaho.
What contaminants are in Homedale's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 76 violations are on record.
How is Homedale'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 Homedale?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Homedale's water come from?
Homedale's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,052 residents.
What health violations has Homedale's water system had?
Homedale has 21 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 10 violations remain unresolved.
Is Homedale's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Homedale 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 76 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 Homedale's water compare to other cities?
Homedale ranks #54 out of 139 cities in Idaho (better than 61% of state cities) and #7558 out of 15744 cities nationally (52th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.