Is Pinehurst, ID Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
88.7/100
waterverge.com Pinehurst, ID — Water Quality Report
Pinehurst's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,030 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 81 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Pinehurst's water
Pinehurst ranks #31 out of 139 cities in Idaho for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Pinehurst 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, Pinehurst may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pinehurst, ID water safe to drink?
Pinehurst's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (88.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,030 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Pinehurst
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pinehurst's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4789). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4313). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Pinehurst'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
Pinehurst's water system has 81 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Shoshone County has experienced 7 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 Nf Coeur D Alene River, Sf Coeur D Alene, Sf Coeur D Alene River, Sf Coeur D Alene River Nr Pinehurst, Coeur D Alene River Nr Cataldo.
Where does Pinehurst's water come from?
Pinehurst's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,030 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Nf Coeur D Alene River (river), Sf Coeur D Alene (river), Sf Coeur D Alene River (river), Sf Coeur D Alene River Nr Pinehurst (river), Coeur D Alene River Nr Cataldo (river).
What Pinehurst residents can do
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.
Pinehurst'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 Pinehurst
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Pinehurst, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 3,718 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
US EPA FUND-LEAD SUPERFUND SITE/BUNKER HILL CTP KELLOGG, ID83837 | Manganese compounds | 3,718 | 4.4 mi |
SUNSHINE SILVER MINE KELLOGG, ID83837 | Manganese | 0 | 7.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Pinehurst
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- BUNKER HILL MINING METALLURGICAL COMPLEX3.3 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtShoshone 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
Shoshone County has experienced 7 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 Pinehurst'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 1.99 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Pinehurst compares by contaminant
Explore where Pinehurst ranks among all Idaho cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pinehurst's water comes from
Pinehurst'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 public/private ownership and serves approximately 2,030 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Pinehurst
Pinehurst is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Pinehurst
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PINEHURST WATER DIST | ID1400041 | 1,950 | GW |
| WEIR GULCH WATER ASSN | ID1400082 | 80 | GWP |
How Pinehurst compares
Full Idaho rankings →Pinehurst's score of 88.7/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major Idaho cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Idaho rankings →About Pinehurst, ID
Wikipedia →Pinehurst is a city in Shoshone County, Idaho, United States. Located at the west end of the Silver Valley mining region, Pinehurst had a population of 1,679 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pinehurst's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Shoshone
Frequently asked questions
Is Pinehurst, ID tap water safe to drink?
Pinehurst's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #31 out of 139 cities tested in Idaho.
What contaminants are in Pinehurst's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 81 violations are on record.
How is Pinehurst'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 Pinehurst?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pinehurst's water come from?
Pinehurst's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,030 residents.
Is Pinehurst's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Pinehurst 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 81 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 Pinehurst's water compare to other cities?
Pinehurst ranks #31 out of 139 cities in Idaho (better than 78% of state cities) and #3302 out of 15744 cities nationally (79th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.