Basalt, ID Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
For households across Basalt, below-average water safety data and recurring compliance violations documented by ID EPA records make it worthwhile to verify the specific system serving your address — system-level detail is the most actionable reference point available.
How Basalt Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Basalt Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 81% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.93 — above typical levels.
Basalt's Water Providers
Most residential addresses in Basalt, ID are served by a single water utility — the dominant system among the 1 provider tracked in federal data.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Basalt, Idaho, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 520 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Basalt — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Basalt: D (53/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Basalt water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Basalt
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 83218 | D | FIRTH CITY OF | 511 |
All ZIP Codes in Basalt
- 83218 [D]
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
Basalt Community Health Snapshot
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Basalt Infrastructure Age
With 81% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
For residents trying to assess tap water risk in Basalt, the median build year of 1978 is the starting context. It signals that a majority of homes were constructed before 1986 — the year federal rules prohibited lead solder in new plumbing — and that a significant share likely predates 1970, when lead pipes were still a common choice for residential service connections. Neither risk tier is rare in this housing inventory.
Over half of homes in Basalt were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Basalt
Within the Basalt market, estimated remediation claims a small portion of typical property equity — the financial burden is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in Basalt are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 20% below the Idaho average.
Basalt: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
81% of Basalt housing dates to the pre-rule era, alongside aggregate readings hovering at the federal action mark — household-level confirmation through a draw-test kit fits the local picture.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Basalt
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 81% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Basalt, ID