WaterVerge

Is Weippe, ID Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

527 residents served 2 water systems PWSID: ID2180037
Overall Score
91.4 / 100
Violations
2 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#18 of 139 in Idaho Top 11% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
91.4/100
waterverge.com
A 91.4/100

Weippe, ID — Water Quality Report

Weippe's drinking water received a grade of A (91.4 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 527 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 5.0 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 4 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Weippe's water

Weippe ranks #18 out of 139 cities in Idaho for water quality, placing it above average in the state.

Weippe 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, Weippe may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
91.4 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
43.4/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
18/20
A
Lead at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Weippe, ID water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Weippe's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.4/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 527 residents using groundwater (wells).

2
Active Violations
5.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
5 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Weippe

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Weippe's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.4/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4313). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Disaster
FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1987). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Weippe's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 5.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Weippe's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.

MRMCL
Most recent violations:
Oct 2019 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Sep 2013 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Oct 2012 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Dec 2011 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Apr 2010 Coliform (TCR) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Clearwater 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.

SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-4313
FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-1987
HURRICANE KATRINA
Hurricane FEMA DR-3244

Where does Weippe's water come from?

Weippe's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 527 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.

What Weippe residents can do

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Flush your taps

Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.

Monitor alerts during storms

Weippe'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
5.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 33% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

14
Total violations
4
Health-based
2
Active / unresolved
Oct 2019
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

14 Total
2 Active
4 Health-based
12 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
11
Lead and Copper Rule
1
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
1
Oct 2019 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Sep 2013 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2013
Oct 2012 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2012
Dec 2011 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2011
Apr 2010 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2010
Sep 2005 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2005
Oct 2002 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Oct 2002
Nov 1999 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Nov 1999
Jul 1997 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1997
Jan 1997 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1997
May 1992 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved May 1992
Dec 1991 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1991
Oct 1979 Resolved
Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 1979
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Weippe

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Weippe, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
EMPIRE LUMBER CO WEIPPE OPERATIONS
Wood Products · EMPIRE LUMBER CO
WEIPPE, ID83553
0.2 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Clearwater 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
19.9%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

5
Declared disasters
May 2017
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Clearwater 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.

May 2017
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4313
May 2011
FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #1987
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA
Hurricane FEMA #3244
Jan 1974
SEVERE STORMS, SNOWMELT & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #415
Dec 1964
HEAVY RAINS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #186

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 5.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 2.0 ppb from 2001 (3.0 ppb) to 2025 (5.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
527
Water Systems
2
Source breakdown
Groundwater
1
Purchased Groundwater
1
Water Source

Where Weippe's water comes from

Groundwater

Weippe'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 527 people through 2 water systems.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Weippe

System Name PWSID Population Source
WEIPPE CITY OF ID2180037 438 GW
PLEASANT ACRES WATER AND SEWER DIST ID2180028 89 GWP
Regional Comparison

How Weippe compares

Full Idaho rankings →

Weippe's score of 91.4/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major Idaho cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Weippe (this city)
91.4
Boise
33.6
Meridian
42.9
Nampa
41.8
Caldwell
38.5
Idaho avg
43
City Profile

About Weippe, ID

Wikipedia →

Weippe is a city in Clearwater County, Idaho, United States. The population was 400 at the 2020 census, down from 441 in 2010. In September 1805, the starving Lewis and Clark Expedition first met the Nez Perce on the Weippe Prairie, south of the city.

Economic Profile
$27,422
Median Income
$106,522
Median Home Value
$500/mo
Median Rent
0%
Unemployment
Community
62.5
Median Age
357
People / sq mi
9.8%
College Educated
75.8%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Weippe, ID tap water safe to drink?

Weippe's water quality earned a grade of A (91.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #18 out of 139 cities tested in Idaho.

What contaminants are in Weippe's water?

Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.

How is Weippe'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 Weippe?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Weippe's water come from?

Weippe's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 527 residents.

What health violations has Weippe's water system had?

Weippe has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2019. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.

Is Weippe's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Weippe 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 14 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 Weippe's water compare to other cities?

Weippe ranks #18 out of 139 cities in Idaho (better than 87% of state cities) and #1739 out of 15744 cities nationally (89th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.