Meridian, ID: 6 Health Violations — 74/100 (2026)
3 ZIP codes · 7 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Within Meridian, safety indicators for tap water remain above the ID median — documented violations are infrequent and the city's compliance record sits in the upper tier.
How Meridian Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Meridian Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 18 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0036 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 14% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,300 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 10.92.
Meridian's Water Providers
Water service in Meridian, ID is split across 3 utilities out of 7 tracked federally, each operating its own infrastructure and compliance record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 3 ZIP codes in Meridian, Idaho (population ~132,571), covering 7 community water systems serving approximately 445,526 people region-wide.
3 of 3 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 6 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Meridian: B (74/100)
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
Meridian water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0036 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 3 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contaminant 0700 | Other | 8 | 3 |
| Gross Alpha | Radionuclides | 4 | 3 |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 4 | 3 |
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 4 | 3 |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | 4 | 3 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 83642 | B | 6 | 2 | Meridian Water Department |
| 83646 | B | 6 | 2 | Meridian Water Department |
| 83680 | B | 6 | 2 | Meridian Water Department |
All ZIP Codes in Meridian
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.
Meridian Community Health Snapshot
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
What's in Meridian's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Meridian Infrastructure Age
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
Lead exposure in tap water isn't just a function of what water utilities deliver — it's also shaped by the plumbing inside individual homes. Structures built before 1986 may contain lead-soldered copper joints, and homes built before 1970 face an additional risk from lead pipes themselves. Meridian's median build year of 2006 suggests the housing stock is broadly weighted toward the safer post-1986 era, but the age distribution shown above makes clear that the pre-1986 share of the inventory still represents a meaningful fraction worth understanding for anyone in an older home.
Most homes in Meridian 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Meridian
Remediation costs in Meridian are small relative to typical property values — the cost-to-value ratio here is favorable.
Remediation costs in Meridian are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,217–$3,633 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 48% above the Idaho average.
Meridian: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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.
Reading aggregate data alone gives a clean picture for Meridian — system samples below the federal action mark and 14% pre-rule housing — yet that math averages many service connections. A one-tap draw gives the only direct read for a specific home.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Meridian: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Meridian's flood exposure sits in the moderate range: 5 NFIP claims on record and 67% of ZIP codes within FEMA-designated flood zones. Residents with private wells or older infrastructure have reasonable grounds to factor flood timing into their water quality awareness.
Meridian has a moderate flood history with 5 FEMA claims averaging $5,046 per payout. 67% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$2,300</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Meridian, ID