Is River Heights, UT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.8/100
waterverge.com River Heights, UT — Water Quality Report
River Heights's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,195 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 11.7 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 146 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about River Heights's water
River Heights ranks #73 out of 177 cities in Utah for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
River Heights 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, River Heights may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is River Heights, UT water safe to drink?
River Heights's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,195 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for River Heights
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into River Heights's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.8/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4311). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4011). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for River Heights'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
River Heights's water system has 146 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Cache County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1986. 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 Bear River, Summit Creek, Little Bear River, Cache Highline Canal, Logan River Above State Dam,.
Where does River Heights's water come from?
River Heights's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,195 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Bear River (river), Summit Creek (river), Little Bear River (river), Cache Highline Canal (stream), Logan River Above State Dam, (river).
What River Heights residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in River Heights'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.
River Heights'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 River Heights
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near River Heights, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TTM TECHNOLOGIES INC. LOGAN, UT84321 | Copper And Copper Compounds | 0 | 2.3 mi |
SWIFT BEEF CO HYRUM, UT84319 | — | — | 5.8 mi |
HYRUM HOT PLANT HYRUM, UT84319 | — | — | 5.6 mi |
WEST POINT DAIRY PRODUCTS INC HYRUM, UT84319 | — | — | 6.2 mi |
BAICOR LOGAN, UT84321 | — | — | 3.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtCache 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
Cache County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1986. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in River Heights'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. | 11.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how River Heights compares by contaminant
Explore where River Heights ranks among all Utah cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where River Heights's water comes from
River Heights'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 2,195 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near River Heights
River Heights is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving River Heights
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RIVER HEIGHTS CITY | UTAH03019 | 2,195 | GW |
How River Heights compares
Full Utah rankings →River Heights's score of 80.8/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Utah cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Utah rankings →About River Heights, UT
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to River Heights's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cache
Frequently asked questions
Is River Heights, UT tap water safe to drink?
River Heights's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #73 out of 177 cities tested in Utah.
What contaminants are in River Heights's water?
Lead was measured at 11.7 ppb (90th percentile). 146 violations are on record.
How is River Heights'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 River Heights?
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 River Heights's water come from?
River Heights's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,195 residents.
What health violations has River Heights's water system had?
River Heights has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2018. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is River Heights's groundwater at risk of contamination?
River Heights 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 146 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 River Heights's water compare to other cities?
River Heights ranks #73 out of 177 cities in Utah (better than 59% of state cities) and #7718 out of 15744 cities nationally (51th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does River Heights's small water system affect quality?
River Heights's system serves approximately 2,195 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 146 violations on record.