Is Lapwai, ID Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 92 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Lapwai, ID — Water Quality Report
Lapwai's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 1,360 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 850 violations on record, including 48 health-based violations. 92 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lapwai's water
Lapwai ranks #94 out of 139 cities in Idaho for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Lapwai 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, Lapwai may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 181 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lapwai, ID water safe to drink?
Lapwai's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 1,360 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lapwai
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lapwai's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
Contaminants: 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene, Xylenes, Total.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Contaminants: Methoxychlor, Toxaphene, Dalapon.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4443). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1987). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lapwai's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Lapwai's water system has 850 total violations on record, including 48 health-based violations. 92 remain unresolved. 181 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Nez Perce County has experienced 7 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 Potlatch River Bel Little Potlatch Cr Nr Spalding, Lapwai Creek Nr Lapwai, Clearwater River.
Where does Lapwai's water come from?
Lapwai's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 1,360 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Potlatch River Bel Little Potlatch Cr Nr Spalding (river), Lapwai Creek Nr Lapwai (river), Clearwater River (river).
What Lapwai residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lapwai'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.
Lapwai'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Lapwai
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lapwai, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 66,488 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CLEARWATER PAPER CORP-PPD & CPD IDAHO LEWISTON, ID83501 | Methanol | 66,488 | 8.3 mi |
COLEMAN OIL CO LEWISTON, ID83501 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
POE ASPHALT PAVING INC LEWISTON, ID83501 | — | — | 8.7 mi |
IDAHO FOREST GROUP-LEWISTON LEWISTON, ID83501 | — | — | 8.2 mi |
SCHWEITZER ENGINEERING LABS INC-LEWISTON ID FACILITY LEWISTON, ID83501 | — | — | 8.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtNez Perce 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
Nez Perce County has experienced 7 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 Lapwai compares by contaminant
Explore where Lapwai ranks among all Idaho cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lapwai's water comes from
Lapwai'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 federal ownership and serves approximately 1,360 people through 5 water systems.
Water bodies near Lapwai
Lapwai is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Lapwai
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIA NORTH IDAHO | 101612108 | 490 | GW |
| LAPWAI CITY OF | ID2350011 | 325 | GW |
| SOUTH LAPWAI | 101600003 | 235 | GW |
| KAMIAH | 101611104 | 200 | GW |
| NORTH LAPWAI | 101611105 | 110 | GW |
How Lapwai compares
Full Idaho rankings →Lapwai's score of 50/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major Idaho cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Idaho rankings →About Lapwai, ID
Wikipedia →Lapwai is a city in Nez Perce County, Idaho, United States. As of the 2020 census, Lapwai had a population of 1,169. It is the seat of government of the Nez Perce Indian Reservation.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lapwai's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Nez Perce
Frequently asked questions
Is Lapwai, ID tap water safe to drink?
Lapwai's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #94 out of 139 cities tested in Idaho.
What contaminants are in Lapwai's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 850 violations are on record.
How is Lapwai'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 Lapwai?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lapwai's water come from?
Lapwai's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 1,360 residents.
What health violations has Lapwai's water system had?
Lapwai has 48 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 92 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lapwai's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lapwai 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 850 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 Lapwai's water compare to other cities?
Lapwai ranks #94 out of 139 cities in Idaho (better than 32% of state cities) and #13146 out of 15744 cities nationally (17th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.