Is Inkom, 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 ↓
80.6/100
waterverge.com Inkom, ID — Water Quality Report
Inkom's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 844 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 48 violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Inkom's water
Inkom ranks #55 out of 139 cities in Idaho for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Inkom 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, Inkom may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Inkom, ID water safe to drink?
Inkom's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 844 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Inkom
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Inkom's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.6/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
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 Inkom'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
Inkom's water system has 48 total violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Bannock 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 Portneuf R. At Inkom.
Where does Inkom's water come from?
Inkom's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 844 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Portneuf R. At Inkom (river).
What Inkom residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Inkom'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 Inkom
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Inkom, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
LA SEMICONDUCTOR LLC. POCATELLO, ID83201 | — | — | 5.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtBannock 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
Bannock 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 Inkom'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 1.75 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Inkom compares by contaminant
Explore where Inkom ranks among all Idaho cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Inkom's water comes from
Inkom'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 844 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Inkom
Inkom is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Inkom
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| INKOM CITY OF | ID6030025 | 792 | GW |
| MOOSE MOUNTAIN | ID6030089 | 27 | GW |
| EVERGREEN ACRES SUBD | ID6030015 | 25 | GW |
How Inkom compares
Full Idaho rankings →Inkom's score of 80.6/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major Idaho cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Idaho rankings →About Inkom, ID
Wikipedia →Inkom is a city in Bannock County, Idaho. It is part of the Pocatello, Idaho Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 792 at the time of the 2020 census. It is the home of the smallest airport in the world, Simko Field Airport 1ID9, with a runway length of 122 meters.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Inkom's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bannock
Frequently asked questions
Is Inkom, ID tap water safe to drink?
Inkom's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #55 out of 139 cities tested in Idaho.
What contaminants are in Inkom's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 48 violations are on record.
How is Inkom'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 Inkom?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Inkom's water come from?
Inkom's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 844 residents.
What health violations has Inkom's water system had?
Inkom has 13 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Inkom's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Inkom 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 48 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 Inkom's water compare to other cities?
Inkom ranks #55 out of 139 cities in Idaho (better than 60% of state cities) and #7799 out of 15744 cities nationally (51th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.