Is Idaho City, 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 ↓
71.9/100
waterverge.com Idaho City, ID — Water Quality Report
Idaho City's drinking water received a grade of B- (71.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 641 residents using surface water.
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 160 violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Idaho City's water
Idaho City ranks #71 out of 139 cities in Idaho for water quality, placing it below 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, Idaho City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Idaho City, ID water safe to drink?
Idaho City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (71.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 641 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Idaho City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Idaho City's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (71.9/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: CYANIDE.
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 Idaho City'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
Idaho City's water system has 160 total violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 3 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.
Where does Idaho City's water come from?
Idaho City's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 641 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Idaho City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Idaho City'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 Idaho City'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. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Idaho City compares by contaminant
Explore where Idaho City ranks among all Idaho cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Idaho City's water comes from
Idaho City'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 private ownership and serves approximately 641 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Idaho City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| IDAHO CITY WATER DEPT | ID4080025 | 478 | SW |
| DUQUETTE PINES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION | ID4080016 | 163 | GW |
How Idaho City compares
Full Idaho rankings →Idaho City's score of 71.9/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major Idaho cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Idaho rankings →About Idaho City, ID
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Idaho City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Boise
Frequently asked questions
Is Idaho City, ID tap water safe to drink?
Idaho City's water quality earned a grade of B- (71.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #71 out of 139 cities tested in Idaho.
What contaminants are in Idaho City's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 160 violations are on record.
How is Idaho City'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 Idaho City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Idaho City's water come from?
Idaho City's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 641 residents.
What health violations has Idaho City's water system had?
Idaho City has 20 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
How does Idaho City's water compare to other cities?
Idaho City ranks #71 out of 139 cities in Idaho (better than 49% of state cities) and #10476 out of 15744 cities nationally (34th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.