Is Soda Springs, ID Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 15 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
66.7/100
waterverge.com Soda Springs, ID — Water Quality Report
Soda Springs's drinking water received a grade of C+ (66.7 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 3,421 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 144 violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved.
What to know about Soda Springs's water
Soda Springs ranks #76 out of 139 cities in Idaho for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Soda Springs 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.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.44 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
The system has seen 17 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Soda Springs, ID water safe to drink?
Soda Springs's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (66.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 3,421 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Soda Springs
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Soda Springs's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (66.7/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3244). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-186). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Soda Springs's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Soda Springs's water system has 144 total violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved. 17 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Caribou County has experienced 2 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 Bear River.
Where does Soda Springs's water come from?
Soda Springs's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 3,421 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).
What Soda Springs residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Soda Springs'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.
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 Soda Springs
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Soda Springs, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 507 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
P4 PRODUCTION LLC SODA SPRINGS, ID83276 | Zinc compounds | 507 | 1.5 mi |
ITAFOS CONDA LLC SODA SPRINGS, ID83276 | — | — | 5.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Soda Springs
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.
- MONSANTO CHEMICAL CO SODA SPRINGS PLANT2.0 mi
- KERR MCGEE CHEMICAL CORP SODA SPRINGS PLANT2.1 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtCaribou 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
Caribou County has experienced 2 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Soda Springs compares by contaminant
Explore where Soda Springs ranks among all Idaho cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Soda Springs's water comes from
Soda Springs'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 3,421 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Soda Springs
Soda Springs is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Soda Springs
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SODA SPRINGS CITY OF | ID6150017 | 3,111 | GW |
| BAILEY CREEK PROPERTY OWNERS ASSN | ID6150001 | 250 | GW |
| VALLEY VIEW WATER ASSN | ID6150022 | 35 | GW |
| EVERGREEN HEIGHTS SUBD | ID6150008 | 25 | GW |
How Soda Springs compares
Full Idaho rankings →Soda Springs's score of 66.7/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major Idaho cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Idaho rankings →About Soda Springs, ID
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Soda Springs's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Caribou
Frequently asked questions
Is Soda Springs, ID tap water safe to drink?
Soda Springs's water quality earned a grade of C+ (66.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #76 out of 139 cities tested in Idaho.
What contaminants are in Soda Springs's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 144 violations are on record.
How is Soda Springs'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 Soda Springs?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Soda Springs's water come from?
Soda Springs's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 3,421 residents.
What health violations has Soda Springs's water system had?
Soda Springs has 20 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 15 violations remain unresolved.
Is Soda Springs's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Soda Springs 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 144 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 Soda Springs's water compare to other cities?
Soda Springs ranks #76 out of 139 cities in Idaho (better than 45% of state cities) and #11341 out of 15744 cities nationally (28th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.