Is Marsing, ID Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 16 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Marsing, ID — Water Quality Report
Marsing's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,473 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 297 violations on record, including 29 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved.
What to know about Marsing's water
Marsing ranks #93 out of 139 cities in Idaho for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Marsing 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, Marsing may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 20 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Marsing, ID water safe to drink?
Marsing'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 3 water systems serve approximately 1,473 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Marsing
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Marsing's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater 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 Marsing's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Marsing's water system has 297 total violations on record, including 29 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved. 20 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 Boise River.
Where does Marsing's water come from?
Marsing's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,473 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Boise River (river).
What Marsing residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Marsing'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 Marsing
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Marsing, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FORTERRA STRUCTURAL SPECIALTY PRODUCTS - CALDWELL CALDWELL, ID83607 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
BEST BATH SYSTEMS CALDWELL, ID83605 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
HOMEDALE BEAM & DECK PLANT HOMEDALE, ID83628 | — | — | 6.7 mi |
AMVAC CHEMICAL MARSING, ID83639 | — | — | 0.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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 Marsing compares by contaminant
Explore where Marsing ranks among all Idaho cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Marsing's water comes from
Marsing'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 1,473 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Marsing
Marsing is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Marsing
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MARSING CITY OF | ID3370013 | 1,300 | GW |
| EAST LIZARD BUTTE WATER CORP | ID3140042 | 95 | GW |
| HOPE HOUSE (OWYHEE) | ID3370036 | 78 | GW |
How Marsing compares
Full Idaho rankings →Marsing'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 Marsing, ID
Wikipedia →Marsing is a city in Owyhee County, Idaho, United States. As of the 2020 census, Marsing had a population of 1,229. It is part of the Boise metropolitan area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Marsing's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Owyhee
Frequently asked questions
Is Marsing, ID tap water safe to drink?
Marsing's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #93 out of 139 cities tested in Idaho.
What contaminants are in Marsing's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 297 violations are on record.
How is Marsing'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 Marsing?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Marsing's water come from?
Marsing's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,473 residents.
What health violations has Marsing's water system had?
Marsing has 29 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. 16 violations remain unresolved.
Is Marsing's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Marsing 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 297 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 Marsing's water compare to other cities?
Marsing ranks #93 out of 139 cities in Idaho (better than 33% of state cities) and #13141 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.