Is Wendell, 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 ↓
93.9/100
waterverge.com Wendell, ID — Water Quality Report
Wendell's drinking water received a grade of A (93.9 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,000 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 40 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Wendell's water
Wendell ranks #5 out of 139 cities in Idaho for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Wendell 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, Wendell may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wendell, ID water safe to drink?
Wendell's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (93.9/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,000 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Wendell
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wendell's water quality assessment. Grade: A (93.9/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4333). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4310). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Wendell's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Wendell's water system has 40 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Gooding County has experienced 4 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 Snake River, Snake River Nr Buhl, Briggs Spring, Box Canyon Springs Nr Wendell, Malad River Nr Gooding.
Where does Wendell's water come from?
Wendell's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,000 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), Snake River Nr Buhl (river), Briggs Spring (spring), Box Canyon Springs Nr Wendell (spring), Malad River Nr Gooding (river).
What Wendell residents can do
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.
Wendell'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 Wendell
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Wendell, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
JEROME REDI-MIX JEROME, ID83338 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
J D HEISKELL & CO WENDELL, ID83355 | — | — | 0.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtGooding 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
Gooding County has experienced 4 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 Wendell compares by contaminant
Explore where Wendell ranks among all Idaho cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wendell's water comes from
Wendell'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 3,000 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Wendell
Wendell is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Wendell
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WENDELL CITY OF | ID5240028 | 3,000 | GW |
How Wendell compares
Full Idaho rankings →Wendell's score of 93.9/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major Idaho cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Idaho rankings →About Wendell, ID
Wikipedia →Wendell is a city in southern Gooding County, Idaho, United States. The population was 2,917 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wendell's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Gooding
Frequently asked questions
Is Wendell, ID tap water safe to drink?
Wendell's water quality earned a grade of A (93.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #5 out of 139 cities tested in Idaho.
What contaminants are in Wendell's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 40 violations are on record.
How is Wendell'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 Wendell?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Wendell's water come from?
Wendell's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,000 residents.
What health violations has Wendell's water system had?
Wendell has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2016. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Wendell's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Wendell 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 40 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 Wendell's water compare to other cities?
Wendell ranks #5 out of 139 cities in Idaho (better than 96% of state cities) and #674 out of 15744 cities nationally (96th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Wendell's small water system affect quality?
Wendell's system serves approximately 3,000 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 40 violations on record.