Is Notus, ID Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C, with 28 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
62.9/100
waterverge.com Notus, ID — Water Quality Report
Notus's drinking water received a grade of C (62.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 1,021 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 312 violations on record, including 37 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved.
What to know about Notus's water
Notus ranks #79 out of 139 cities in Idaho for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Notus 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, Notus may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Notus, ID water safe to drink?
Notus's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (62.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 1,021 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Notus
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Notus's water quality assessment. Grade: C (62.9/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4342). 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 Notus's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Notus's water system has 312 total violations on record, including 37 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Canyon County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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 Mason Creek, W Hartley Gulch Nr Caldwell, East Hartley, Boise River, Conway Gulch Below 1St.
Where does Notus's water come from?
Notus's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 6 water systems serving approximately 1,021 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mason Creek (river), W Hartley Gulch Nr Caldwell (river), East Hartley (river), Boise River (river), Conway Gulch Below 1St (river).
What Notus residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Notus'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 Notus
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Notus, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ICCO MIDDELTON CALDWELL, ID83605 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
FORTERRA STRUCTURAL SPECIALTY PRODUCTS - CALDWELL CALDWELL, ID83607 | — | — | 4.0 mi |
SIMPLOT WESTERN STOCKMEN'S CALDWELL, ID83605 | — | — | 6.1 mi |
DARIGOLD-CALDWELL CALDWELL, ID83605 | — | — | 6.8 mi |
SIMPLOT U.S. FOOD GROUP HOLDINGS LLC CALDWELL, ID83605 | — | — | 7.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Canyon County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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 Notus compares by contaminant
Explore where Notus ranks among all Idaho cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Notus's water comes from
Notus'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 1,021 people through 6 water systems.
Water bodies near Notus
Notus is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Notus
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NOTUS CITY OF | ID3140083 | 539 | GW |
| MIDVALE WATER SYSTEM | ID3440007 | 144 | GW |
| LAKEVIEW WATER COMPANY 1 | ID3140059 | 100 | GW |
| IDAHO WEST ESTATES | ID3380035 | 98 | GW |
| DECOY INN AND RV PARK | ID3140026 | 75 | GW |
| WEST RIVER | ID3140265 | 65 | GW |
How Notus compares
Full Idaho rankings →Notus's score of 62.9/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major Idaho cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Idaho rankings →About Notus, ID
Wikipedia →Notus is a small rural city in Canyon County, Idaho. The population was 609 at the time of the 2020 census. It is part of the Boise metropolitan area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Notus's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Canyon
Frequently asked questions
Is Notus, ID tap water safe to drink?
Notus's water quality earned a grade of C (62.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #79 out of 139 cities tested in Idaho.
What contaminants are in Notus's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 312 violations are on record.
How is Notus'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 Notus?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Notus's water come from?
Notus's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 6 water systems serving approximately 1,021 residents.
What health violations has Notus's water system had?
Notus has 37 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. 28 violations remain unresolved.
Is Notus's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Notus 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 312 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 Notus's water compare to other cities?
Notus ranks #79 out of 139 cities in Idaho (better than 43% of state cities) and #11830 out of 15744 cities nationally (25th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.