Is Old Town, ID Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82.9/100
waterverge.com Old Town, ID — Water Quality Report
Old Town's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 545 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 7.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 46 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Old Town's water
Old Town ranks #48 out of 139 cities in Idaho for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Old Town 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Old Town may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Old Town, ID water safe to drink?
Old Town's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 545 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Old Town
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Old Town's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.9/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4443). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4342). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Old Town's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Old Town's water system has 46 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Ada County has experienced 6 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, Boise River South Channel, Eagle Drain.
Where does Old Town's water come from?
Old Town's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 545 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), Boise River South Channel (river), Eagle Drain (stream).
What Old Town residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Old Town'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Old Town'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
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtBonner 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
Ada County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1964. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Old Town'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. | 7.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Old Town compares by contaminant
Explore where Old Town ranks among all Idaho cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Old Town's water comes from
Old Town'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 545 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Old Town
Old Town is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Old Town
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WEST BONNER WATER DIST 1 | ID1090151 | 545 | GW |
How Old Town compares
Full Idaho rankings →Old Town's score of 82.9/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major Idaho cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Idaho rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Old Town's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bonner
Frequently asked questions
Is Old Town, ID tap water safe to drink?
Old Town's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #48 out of 139 cities tested in Idaho.
What contaminants are in Old Town's water?
Lead was measured at 7.0 ppb (90th percentile). 46 violations are on record.
How is Old Town'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 Old Town?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Old Town's water come from?
Old Town's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 545 residents.
Is Old Town's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Old Town 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 46 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 Old Town's water compare to other cities?
Old Town ranks #48 out of 139 cities in Idaho (better than 65% of state cities) and #6711 out of 15744 cities nationally (57th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Old Town's small water system affect quality?
Old Town's system serves approximately 545 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 46 violations on record.