Cottonwood, ID: 7 Violations — 63/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Cottonwood, ID: middle-tier water safety by the latest federal monitoring.
How Cottonwood Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Cottonwood Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 7 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.001 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 74% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.98 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Cottonwood
At present, 3 utilities serve the bulk of Cottonwood, ID's residential water connections out of 3 systems active in the area, spread across independent providers with separate infrastructure and compliance obligations.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Cottonwood, Idaho, covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 2,620 people.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Cottonwood: C (63/100)
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
Cottonwood water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0010 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 8 | 1 |
| Lead | Inorganic | 2 | 1 |
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | 2 | 1 |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 83522 | C | 7 | 0 | Cottonwood Water Department |
All ZIP Codes in Cottonwood
- 83522 [C] — 7 violations
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.
Health Outcomes in Cottonwood
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
Top Contaminants in Cottonwood Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Housing & Infrastructure in Cottonwood
With 74% 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
When a city's housing median build year is 1977, as in Cottonwood, the implication for water quality research is straightforward: municipal-level data captures what leaves the treatment plant, but household plumbing from before 1986 determines what actually arrives at the tap. In cities where older housing predominates, that gap between system-level and household-level data is widest.
Over half of homes in Cottonwood 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.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Cottonwood Homeowners
Because property values in Cottonwood comfortably exceed estimated remediation costs, the equity impact here is proportionally small.
Remediation costs in Cottonwood are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 29% below the Idaho average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Cottonwood
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.
After the federal action removing lead-bearing solder from new plumbing took effect, building practice shifted — but 74% of the Cottonwood inventory predates that line. With aggregate samples near or beyond 0.015 mg/L, an in-home check moves out of the optional column into the standard list.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Cottonwood
- 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. Filters rated for Consumer Confidence Report Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Cottonwood's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 74% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Cottonwood, ID