Is Wallace, 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 Wallace, ID — Water Quality Report
Wallace's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,273 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 14 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Wallace's water
Wallace ranks #28 out of 139 cities in Idaho for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Wallace may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wallace, ID water safe to drink?
Wallace'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 3 water systems serve approximately 3,273 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Wallace
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wallace's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.9/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4789). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4313). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Wallace's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Wallace's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Shoshone County has experienced 7 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 Canyon Creek Ab Mouth, Ninemile Creek Ab Mouth, Sf Coeur D Alene R.
Where does Wallace's water come from?
Wallace's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 3,273 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Canyon Creek Ab Mouth (river), Ninemile Creek Ab Mouth (river), Sf Coeur D Alene R (river).
What Wallace residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wallace'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.
Wallace'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 Wallace
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Wallace, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 950 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
HECLA LTD LUCKY FRIDAY MINE UNIT MULLAN, ID83846 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 860 | 6.8 mi |
U.S. SILVER - IDAHO INC WALLACE, ID83873 | Lead And Lead Compounds | 90 | 2.0 mi |
SUNSHINE SILVER MINE KELLOGG, ID83837 | Manganese | 0 | 7.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtShoshone 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
Shoshone County has experienced 7 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Wallace compares by contaminant
Explore where Wallace ranks among all Idaho cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wallace's water comes from
Wallace's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 3,273 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Wallace
Wallace is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Wallace
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| E SHOSHONE COUNTY WATER DIST WALLACE | ID1400019 | 2,388 | SW |
| E SHOSHONE COUNTY WATER DIST MULLAN | ID1400017 | 840 | SW |
| E SHOSHONE COUNTY WATER DIST BURKE | ID1400016 | 45 | SW |
How Wallace compares
Full Idaho rankings →Wallace'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 Wallace, ID
Wikipedia →Wallace is a city in and the county seat of Shoshone County, Idaho, in the Silver Valley mining district of the Idaho Panhandle. Founded in 1884, Wallace sits alongside the South Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River. The town's population was 791 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wallace's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Shoshone
Frequently asked questions
Is Wallace, ID tap water safe to drink?
Wallace'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 #28 out of 139 cities tested in Idaho.
What contaminants are in Wallace's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Wallace'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 Wallace?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Wallace's water come from?
Wallace's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 3,273 residents.
What health violations has Wallace's water system had?
Wallace has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2011. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
How does Wallace's water compare to other cities?
Wallace ranks #28 out of 139 cities in Idaho (better than 80% of state cities) and #3165 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.