Water Quality in Idaho Falls, ID: 77 Violations — Grade B
Grade B · Score 72/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Idaho Falls's water is mostly safe. Minor violations exist but are primarily monitoring-related.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Local water systems serving Idaho Falls, ID carry 77 EPA violations on record in the federal compliance database — documented events spanning categories from maximum contaminant level exceedances to monitoring requirements tracked by the national Safe Drinking Water program.
Water Quality Map: Idaho Falls, ID
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Idaho Falls
Water quality varies across Idaho Falls's 7 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 83403 | B | 71 | 11 | 4 | View report → |
| 83405 | B | 71 | 11 | 4 | View report → |
| 83415 | B | 71 | 11 | 4 | View report → |
| 83401 | B | 73 | 11 | 4 | View report → |
| 83402 | B | 73 | 11 | 4 | View report → |
| 83404 | B | 73 | 11 | 4 | View report → |
| 83406 | B | 73 | 11 | 4 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Idaho Falls, Idaho receives a water quality grade of B with an overall score of 72 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Idaho Falls have accumulated 77 EPA violations, including 28 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 7 ZIP codes serving approximately 94,659 people.
What Grade B Means
A grade of B indicates good compliance with EPA drinking water standards. While not perfect, Idaho Falls's water systems meet the vast majority of federal requirements. Minor violations may exist but typically relate to monitoring or reporting rather than health-based standards.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Idaho Falls water systems is 0.0040 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 49% of homes built before 1986, Idaho Falls 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 Falls is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Idaho Falls
Idaho Falls is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 94,659 people across 7 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 70 enforcement actions against water systems serving Idaho Falls. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Idaho Falls
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 Falls Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Idaho Falls's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combined Radium | Radionuclides | 5 pCi/L | 14 | 7 | No |
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 14 | 7 | No |
| Total Organic Carbon | Disinfection Byproducts | N/A | 7 | 7 | No |
| Radium-228 | Radionuclides | 5 pCi/L | 7 | 7 | No |
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 7 | 7 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 8 enforcement actions against water systems serving Idaho Falls. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2024-05-22 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-05-12 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-05-09 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-04-17 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-02-15 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-02-12 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-11-16 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-05-13 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2024-05-22.
Idaho Falls vs. Nearby Idaho Cities
How Idaho Falls's water quality compares to similar cities in Idaho:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Idaho Falls | B | 77 | 5 | 94,659 |
| Huston | D | 0 | 1 | 100,200 |
| Nampa | B | 20 | 5 | 101,454 |
| Caldwell | C | 24 | 5 | 75,858 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Idaho Falls
Water quality varies across Idaho Falls's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 83403 | 71 | B | 11 | 4 |
| 83405 | 71 | B | 11 | 4 |
| 83415 | 71 | B | 11 | 4 |
| 83401 | 73 | B | 11 | 4 |
| 83402 | 73 | B | 11 | 4 |
| 83404 | 73 | B | 11 | 4 |
| 83406 | 73 | B | 11 | 4 |
Common Questions About Idaho Falls Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Idaho Falls, Idaho:
Is Idaho Falls water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Idaho Falls's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Idaho Falls tap water? Idaho Falls's water receives a grade of B (72/100). There are 28 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Idaho Falls? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Idaho Falls vs. Idaho Average
Understanding how Idaho Falls 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 Falls.
ZIP Codes in Idaho Falls
Idaho Falls spans 7 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 83401. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Water is Safe — Here's How to Keep It That Way
Grade B is excellent news. Here's what proactive homeowners do to maintain water quality:
Annual Water Testing
EPA recommends annual testing even with clean water. Home test kits: $20-$50. Catches changes before they become problems.
Maintenance Filtration
A basic carbon filter removes chlorine taste and catches emerging contaminants like PFAS that aren't yet fully regulated.
Plumbing Check
Even safe city water picks up lead from home pipes. If your home was built before 1986, a one-time pipe inspection is recommended.