Kootenai, ID: High Radon Risk — 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Although conditions vary by service area, Kootenai's water systems collectively show below-average compliance within ID — health-based violations are documented throughout the city, and the overall grade reflects a pattern rather than isolated incidents.
How Kootenai Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Kootenai Water
- Homes built before 1986: 25% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.49 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Kootenai
Water service in Kootenai, ID is organized around a single utility — one of 1 tracked by regulator, and the one that manages the local distribution network while holding primary responsibility for EPA compliance reporting.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Kootenai, Idaho (population ~649), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 12,284 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Kootenai — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Kootenai: D (40/100)
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
Kootenai water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Kootenai
- 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.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 83840 | D | SANDPOINT PUBLIC WORKS DEPT | 12,284 |
All ZIP Codes in Kootenai
- 83840 [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.
Health Outcomes in Kootenai
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
Housing & Infrastructure in Kootenai
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Housing age matters for water quality because lead solder was widely used in plumbing until the 1986 federal ban. Kootenai's median build year of 2007 suggests a majority of homes were constructed under the newer standard — a meaningful factor when assessing household-level lead risk from tap water.
Most homes in Kootenai were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Kootenai Homeowners
Equity impact data for Kootenai lands in the favorable tier — remediation claims a small slice of what properties here are worth.
Remediation costs in Kootenai are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 14% below the Idaho average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Kootenai
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.
Locally, Kootenai's indicators line up: aggregate readings pass under the regulatory benchmark and the pre-rule housing footprint at 25% keeps lead in a background position.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Kootenai
- 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. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
- 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 Kootenai, ID