Is Spirit Lake, ID Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Spirit Lake, ID — Water Quality Report
Spirit Lake's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 3,538 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 239 violations on record, including 26 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Spirit Lake's water
Spirit Lake ranks #91 out of 139 cities in Idaho for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Spirit Lake 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.
The system has seen 64 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Spirit Lake, ID water safe to drink?
Spirit Lake's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 3,538 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Spirit Lake
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Spirit Lake's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4313). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1781). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Spirit Lake'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
Spirit Lake's water system has 239 total violations on record, including 26 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 64 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Kootenai County has experienced 5 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.
Where does Spirit Lake's water come from?
Spirit Lake's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 6 water systems serving approximately 3,538 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Spirit Lake residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Spirit Lake'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.
Spirit Lake'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 Spirit Lake
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Spirit Lake, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
IDAHO FOREST GROUP - CHILCO LAKE SAWMILL ATHOL, ID83801 | — | — | 9.1 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
Kootenai County has experienced 5 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 Spirit Lake'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. | 3.55 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Spirit Lake compares by contaminant
Explore where Spirit Lake ranks among all Idaho cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Spirit Lake's water comes from
Spirit Lake'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 3,538 people through 6 water systems.
Water systems serving Spirit Lake
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPIRIT LAKE CITY OF | ID1280177 | 2,825 | GW |
| HOLIDAY ACRES WATER ASSN | ID1280097 | 480 | GW |
| ROCKY BEACH WATER DIST | ID1280157 | 115 | GW |
| EDGEMERE III | ID1090253 | 60 | GW |
| WEST SEASONS ACRES HOA | ID1280286 | 31 | GW |
| WILD MEADOWS I SUBD | ID1090155 | 27 | GW |
How Spirit Lake compares
Full Idaho rankings →Spirit Lake's score of 50/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major Idaho cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Idaho rankings →About Spirit Lake, ID
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Spirit Lake's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Kootenai
Frequently asked questions
Is Spirit Lake, ID tap water safe to drink?
Spirit Lake's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #91 out of 139 cities tested in Idaho.
What contaminants are in Spirit Lake's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 239 violations are on record.
How is Spirit Lake'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 Spirit Lake?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Spirit Lake's water come from?
Spirit Lake's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 6 water systems serving approximately 3,538 residents.
What health violations has Spirit Lake's water system had?
Spirit Lake has 26 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. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Spirit Lake's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Spirit Lake 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 239 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 Spirit Lake's water compare to other cities?
Spirit Lake ranks #91 out of 139 cities in Idaho (better than 35% of state cities) and #13081 out of 15744 cities nationally (17th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.