Malta, ID Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
A meaningful share of water systems in Malta have recorded health-based violations in recent ID monitoring periods — placing the city in the lower tier for tap water safety.
How Malta Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Malta Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 61% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.51 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Malta
Across most of Malta, ID, residential water comes from a single utility. That provider sets rates, manages infrastructure maintenance, and files compliance reports with the EPA on behalf of the households it serves. Federal tracking data shows 1 system on record, but one carries the bulk of the service load.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Malta, Idaho, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,584 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Malta — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Malta: 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
Malta water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Malta
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 83342 | D | ALBION CITY OF | 325 |
All ZIP Codes in Malta
- 83342 [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.
CDC Health Data for Malta
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
How Old Is Malta's Housing Stock?
With 61% 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
Viewed through the lens of construction era, Malta is predominantly an older city — a median build year of 1971 puts most of the residential inventory in the range where pre-1986 plumbing materials were the standard.
Over half of homes in Malta 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.
Malta: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Within the Malta market, estimated remediation claims a small portion of typical property equity — the financial burden is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in Malta are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 13% below the Idaho average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Malta
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.
Practically, the structural drivers in Malta — 61% pre-rule stock and citywide monitoring at or beyond the regulatory benchmark — make an in-home draw the practical way to translate aggregate averages into the specific conditions at one address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Malta
- 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 61% 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 Malta, ID