Is Moyie Springs, 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 ↓
75.8/100
waterverge.com Moyie Springs, ID — Water Quality Report
Moyie Springs's drinking water received a grade of B (75.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,173 residents using groundwater.
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 126 violations on record, including 18 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Moyie Springs's water
Moyie Springs ranks #65 out of 139 cities in Idaho for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Moyie Springs 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, Moyie Springs may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 11 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Moyie Springs, ID water safe to drink?
Moyie Springs's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,173 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Moyie Springs
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Moyie Springs's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75.8/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Combined Uranium, Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4313). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3244). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Moyie Springs'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
Moyie Springs's water system has 126 total violations on record, including 18 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 11 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Boundary County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Kootenai River, Kootenai River Bel Moyie River Nr Bonners Ferry.
Where does Moyie Springs's water come from?
Moyie Springs's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,173 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Kootenai River (river), Kootenai River Bel Moyie River Nr Bonners Ferry (river).
What Moyie Springs residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Moyie Springs'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.
Moyie Springs'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 Moyie Springs
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Moyie Springs, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
IDAHO FOREST GROUP -- MOYIE SPRINGS MOYIE SPRINGS, ID83845 | — | — | 0.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtBoundary County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Boundary County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1974. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Moyie Springs'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. | 1.80 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Moyie Springs compares by contaminant
Explore where Moyie Springs ranks among all Idaho cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Moyie Springs's water comes from
Moyie Springs'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 1,173 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Moyie Springs
Moyie Springs is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Moyie Springs
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOYIE SPRINGS CITY OF | ID1110021 | 1,123 | GW |
| CURLEY CREEK WATER ASSN | ID1110008 | 50 | GW |
How Moyie Springs compares
Full Idaho rankings →Moyie Springs's score of 75.8/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major Idaho cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Idaho rankings →About Moyie Springs, ID
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Moyie Springs's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Boundary
Frequently asked questions
Is Moyie Springs, ID tap water safe to drink?
Moyie Springs's water quality earned a grade of B (75.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #65 out of 139 cities tested in Idaho.
What contaminants are in Moyie Springs's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 126 violations are on record.
How is Moyie Springs'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 Moyie Springs?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Moyie Springs's water come from?
Moyie Springs's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,173 residents.
What health violations has Moyie Springs's water system had?
Moyie Springs has 18 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Moyie Springs's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Moyie Springs 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 126 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 Moyie Springs's water compare to other cities?
Moyie Springs ranks #65 out of 139 cities in Idaho (better than 53% of state cities) and #9485 out of 15744 cities nationally (40th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.