Is New Meadows, ID Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79.1/100
waterverge.com New Meadows, ID — Water Quality Report
New Meadows's drinking water received a grade of B (79.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,382 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 125 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about New Meadows's water
New Meadows ranks #58 out of 139 cities in Idaho for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
New Meadows 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, New Meadows may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is New Meadows, ID water safe to drink?
New Meadows's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,382 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for New Meadows
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into New Meadows's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.1/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Endrin, BHC-GAMMA, Methoxychlor.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4443). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: 1,2-Dichloropropane, Trichloroethylene, 1,1,2-Trichloroethane.
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 New Meadows's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
New Meadows's water system has 125 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Adams 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.
Where does New Meadows's water come from?
New Meadows's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,382 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What New Meadows residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in New Meadows'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.
New Meadows'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 New Meadows
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near New Meadows, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TAMARACK MILLS (DBA EVERGREEN FORESTS) TAMARACK, ID83612 | — | — | 5.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtAdams 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
Adams 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.
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 New Meadows compares by contaminant
Explore where New Meadows ranks among all Idaho cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where New Meadows's water comes from
New Meadows'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,382 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving New Meadows
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEADOW CREEK PROPERTY OWNERS ASSN INC | ID3020009 | 800 | GW |
| NEW MEADOWS CITY OF | ID3020012 | 582 | GW |
How New Meadows compares
Full Idaho rankings →New Meadows's score of 79.1/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major Idaho cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Idaho rankings →About New Meadows, ID
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to New Meadows's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Adams
Frequently asked questions
Is New Meadows, ID tap water safe to drink?
New Meadows's water quality earned a grade of B (79.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #58 out of 139 cities tested in Idaho.
What contaminants are in New Meadows's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 125 violations are on record.
How is New Meadows'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 New Meadows?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does New Meadows's water come from?
New Meadows's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,382 residents.
What health violations has New Meadows's water system had?
New Meadows has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is New Meadows's groundwater at risk of contamination?
New Meadows 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 125 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 New Meadows's water compare to other cities?
New Meadows ranks #58 out of 139 cities in Idaho (better than 58% of state cities) and #8391 out of 15744 cities nationally (47th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.