Is New Plymouth, ID Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 24 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com New Plymouth, ID — Water Quality Report
New Plymouth's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,135 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 456 violations on record, including 64 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved.
What to know about New Plymouth's water
New Plymouth ranks #92 out of 139 cities in Idaho for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
New Plymouth 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 Plymouth may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 168 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is New Plymouth, ID water safe to drink?
New Plymouth'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 2,135 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for New Plymouth
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into New Plymouth's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence 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 New Plymouth's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
New Plymouth's water system has 456 total violations on record, including 64 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved. 168 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Payette 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 Payette River Nr Payette.
Where does New Plymouth's water come from?
New Plymouth's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,135 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Payette River Nr Payette (river).
What New Plymouth residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in New Plymouth'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 New Plymouth
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near New Plymouth, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 319 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
J.R. SIMPLOT CO ONTARIO, OR97914 | Ammonia | 319 | 8.1 mi |
PERFORMIX NUTRITION SYSTEMS LLC FRUITLAND, ID83619 | — | — | 4.2 mi |
SENECA FOODS INC PAYETTE, ID83661 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Payette 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how New Plymouth compares by contaminant
Explore where New Plymouth ranks among all Idaho cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where New Plymouth's water comes from
New Plymouth'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 2,135 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near New Plymouth
New Plymouth is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving New Plymouth
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEW PLYMOUTH CITY OF | ID3380008 | 1,600 | GW |
| TERRACE LAKES WATER COMPANY | ID4080047 | 475 | GW |
| BIGFOOT ACRES | OR4101154 | 60 | GW |
How New Plymouth compares
Full Idaho rankings →New Plymouth'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 New Plymouth, ID
Wikipedia →New Plymouth is a city in Payette County, Idaho. As of the 2020 census, New Plymouth had a population of 1,494. It was incorporated on February 15, 1896. It is the host of the annual Payette County Fair and rodeo.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to New Plymouth's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Payette
Frequently asked questions
Is New Plymouth, ID tap water safe to drink?
New Plymouth's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #92 out of 139 cities tested in Idaho.
What contaminants are in New Plymouth's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 456 violations are on record.
How is New Plymouth'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 Plymouth?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does New Plymouth's water come from?
New Plymouth's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,135 residents.
What health violations has New Plymouth's water system had?
New Plymouth has 64 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. 24 violations remain unresolved.
Is New Plymouth's groundwater at risk of contamination?
New Plymouth 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 456 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 Plymouth's water compare to other cities?
New Plymouth ranks #92 out of 139 cities in Idaho (better than 34% of state cities) and #13119 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.