Is Riggins, ID Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.9/100
waterverge.com Riggins, ID — Water Quality Report
Riggins's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 554 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 62 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Riggins's water
Riggins ranks #29 out of 139 cities in Idaho for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Riggins 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, Riggins may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Riggins, ID water safe to drink?
Riggins's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 554 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Riggins
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Riggins's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.9/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4789). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4443). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Riggins's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Riggins's water system has 62 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Idaho 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 Little Salmon River.
Where does Riggins's water come from?
Riggins's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 554 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Little Salmon River (river).
What Riggins residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Riggins'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.
Riggins'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
D1 — moderate droughtIdaho County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Idaho 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.
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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Riggins compares by contaminant
Explore where Riggins ranks among all Idaho cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Riggins's water comes from
Riggins'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 554 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Riggins
Riggins is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Riggins
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RIGGINS CITY OF | ID2250053 | 434 | GW |
| RAPID RIVER WATER & SEWER DIST | ID2250050 | 120 | GW |
How Riggins compares
Full Idaho rankings →Riggins's score of 88.9/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major Idaho cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Idaho rankings →About Riggins, ID
Wikipedia →Riggins is a city in the western United States in Idaho County, Idaho. Nestled deep in a canyon at the confluence of the Salmon and Little Salmon rivers in west central Idaho, it is approximately 150 highway miles (240 km) north of Boise, and 120 highway miles (190 km) south-southeast of Lewiston. The elevation is 1,821 feet (555 m) above sea level, and its population was 372 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Riggins's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Idaho
Frequently asked questions
Is Riggins, ID tap water safe to drink?
Riggins's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #29 out of 139 cities tested in Idaho.
What contaminants are in Riggins's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 62 violations are on record.
How is Riggins'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 Riggins?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Riggins's water come from?
Riggins's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 554 residents.
What health violations has Riggins's water system had?
Riggins has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Riggins's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Riggins 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 62 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 Riggins's water compare to other cities?
Riggins ranks #29 out of 139 cities in Idaho (better than 79% of state cities) and #3201 out of 15744 cities nationally (80th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.