Water Quality in Idaho City, ID: 10 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 64/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Idaho City's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Compliance records maintained by the EPA for Idaho City, ID log 10 violations — accumulated reportable events drawn from every local utility in the SDWIS national tracking system.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Idaho City
Water quality varies across Idaho City's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 83631 | C | 64 | 10 | 2 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Idaho City.
Water Quality Overview
Idaho City, Idaho receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 64 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 2 water systems serving Idaho City have accumulated 10 EPA violations, including 2 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 641 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Idaho City's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Idaho City water systems is 0.0020 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 53% of homes built before 1986, Idaho City has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Idaho City is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Idaho City
Idaho City is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 641 people across 1 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Idaho City. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Idaho City
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Idaho City Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Idaho City's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Organic Carbon | Disinfection Byproducts | N/A | 5 | 1 | No |
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 2 | 1 | Yes |
| Radium-226 | Radionuclides | 5 pCi/L | 1 | 1 | No |
| Selenium | Inorganic | 0.05 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Idaho City:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 1 |
| 2023 | 1 | 1 |
Violation counts have remained stable over the observed period.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Idaho City. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2024-02-22 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-08-14 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-06-09 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2023-06-06 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-06-02 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-05-12 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2023-05-09 | State Informal Action |
| 2022-09-17 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2022-09-14 | State Informal Action |
| 2022-09-14 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2024-02-22.
Idaho City vs. Nearby Idaho Cities
How Idaho City's water quality compares to similar cities in Idaho:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Idaho City | C | 10 | 2 | 641 |
| Fernwood | C | 1 | 2 | 645 |
| Coolin | C | 2 | 2 | 632 |
| Ririe | B | 1 | 1 | 656 |
Common Questions About Idaho City Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Idaho City, Idaho:
Is Idaho City water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Idaho City's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Idaho City tap water? Idaho City's water receives a grade of C (64/100). There are 2 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Idaho City? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Idaho City vs. Idaho Average
Understanding how Idaho City compares to the broader Idaho average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Idaho City.
ZIP Codes in Idaho City
Idaho City spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 83631. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
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
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.