Is Sugar City, 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 ↓
90.1/100
waterverge.com Sugar City, ID — Water Quality Report
Sugar City's drinking water received a grade of A (90.1 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,905 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 43 violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sugar City's water
Sugar City ranks #22 out of 139 cities in Idaho for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Sugar City 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, Sugar City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sugar City, ID water safe to drink?
Sugar City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (90.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,905 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sugar City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sugar City's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.1/100).
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3244). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-505). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sugar City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sugar City's water system has 43 total violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Madison County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1976. 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 Snake River, Henrys Fork, Teton River Nr St Anthony, Nf Teton River Nr Sugar City, Sf Teton River.
Where does Sugar City's water come from?
Sugar City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,905 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Snake River (river), Henrys Fork (river), Teton River Nr St Anthony (river), Nf Teton River Nr Sugar City (river), Sf Teton River (river).
What Sugar City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sugar City'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
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtBingham 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
Madison County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1976. 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 Sugar City compares by contaminant
Explore where Sugar City ranks among all Idaho cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sugar City's water comes from
Sugar City'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 2,905 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Sugar City
Sugar City is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Sugar City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUGAR CITY CITY OF | ID7330026 | 2,395 | GW |
| BASALT CITY OF | ID6060004 | 425 | GW |
| TOWN AND COUNTRY MOBILE HOME PARK | ID6060085 | 85 | GW |
How Sugar City compares
Full Idaho rankings →Sugar City's score of 90.1/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major Idaho cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Idaho rankings →About Sugar City, ID
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sugar City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Madison
Frequently asked questions
Is Sugar City, ID tap water safe to drink?
Sugar City's water quality earned a grade of A (90.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #22 out of 139 cities tested in Idaho.
What contaminants are in Sugar City's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 43 violations are on record.
How is Sugar City'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 Sugar City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sugar City's water come from?
Sugar City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,905 residents.
What health violations has Sugar City's water system had?
Sugar City has 16 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2017. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Sugar City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sugar City 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 43 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 Sugar City's water compare to other cities?
Sugar City ranks #22 out of 139 cities in Idaho (better than 84% of state cities) and #2400 out of 15744 cities nationally (85th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.