Is Priest River, 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 ↓
78.3/100
waterverge.com Priest River, ID — Water Quality Report
Priest River's drinking water received a grade of B (78.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,330 residents using surface water.
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 143 violations on record, including 76 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Priest River's water
Priest River ranks #59 out of 139 cities in Idaho for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Priest River may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Priest River, ID water safe to drink?
Priest River's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,330 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Priest River
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Priest River's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.3/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4313). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1987). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Priest River's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Priest River's water system has 143 total violations on record, including 76 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Bonner County has experienced 4 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. Local water sources include Priest River Near Priest River, Pend Oreille River.
Where does Priest River's water come from?
Priest River's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,330 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Priest River Near Priest River (river), Pend Oreille River (river).
What Priest River residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Priest River'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.
Priest River'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 Priest River
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Priest River, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
STIMSON LUMBER CO PRIEST RIVER OPS PRIEST RIVER, ID83856 | Lead compounds | 0 | 0.7 mi |
CITYSERVICEVALCON LLC OLDTOWN BULK FACILITY OLDTOWN, ID83822 | — | — | 2.9 mi |
IDAHO FOREST GROUP - LACLEDE LACLEDE, ID83841 | — | — | 7.0 mi |
SAFRAN CABIN MATERIALS LLC NEWPORT, WA99156 | — | — | 6.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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
Bonner County has experienced 4 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 Priest River compares by contaminant
Explore where Priest River ranks among all Idaho cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Priest River's water comes from
Priest River's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,330 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Priest River
Priest River is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Priest River
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRIEST RIVER CITY OF | ID1090107 | 2,173 | SW |
| SCENIC MOBILE ESTATES | ID1280023 | 85 | GW |
| PONDEROSA MOBILE HOME PARK | ID1090059 | 72 | GW |
How Priest River compares
Full Idaho rankings →Priest River's score of 78.3/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major Idaho cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Idaho rankings →About Priest River, ID
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Priest River's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bonner
Frequently asked questions
Is Priest River, ID tap water safe to drink?
Priest River's water quality earned a grade of B (78.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #59 out of 139 cities tested in Idaho.
What contaminants are in Priest River's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 143 violations are on record.
How is Priest River'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 Priest River?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Priest River's water come from?
Priest River's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,330 residents.
What health violations has Priest River's water system had?
Priest River has 76 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
How does Priest River's water compare to other cities?
Priest River ranks #59 out of 139 cities in Idaho (better than 58% of state cities) and #8719 out of 15744 cities nationally (45th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.