Exceeds EPA Limit Nitrate EXCEEDS EPA LIMIT

Nitrate in Boise, ID Drinking Water

Nitrate data for Boise, Idaho · 280,291 residents · 32 ZIP codes

People in Boise, Idaho who get water from the public supply are among residents whose systems have returned Nitrate detections in EPA compliance testing.

10 mg/L (as nitrogen)
EPA MCL
64
EPA Violations
High
Health Risk
Reverse Osmosis or Ion Exchange
Best Filter Method

Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-05-14

Nitrate in Boise Tap Water

Boise, Idaho has 64 EPA violations related to nitrate in drinking water.

This analysis covers 280,291 residents across 32 ZIP codes in Boise.

Boise's overall water quality grade is C (56/100).

Is Nitrate in Boise Water Safe?

Nitrate levels in parts of Boise exceed the EPA MCL of 10 mg/L (as nitrogen). The EPA requires water systems to take corrective action when this limit is exceeded.

If you live in an affected ZIP code, consider installing a reverse osmosis or ion exchange filter certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 and testing your water independently.

EPA Violations for Nitrate in Boise

Date Violation Type Status ZIP Code
2025-04-01 Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) Known 83701
2025-04-01 Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) Known 83702
2025-04-01 Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) Known 83703
2025-04-01 Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) Known 83704
2025-04-01 Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) Known 83705
2025-04-01 Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) Known 83706
2025-04-01 Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) Known 83707
2025-04-01 Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) Known 83708
2025-04-01 Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) Known 83709
2025-04-01 Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) Known 83711
2025-04-01 Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) Known 83712
2025-04-01 Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) Known 83713
2025-04-01 Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) Known 83715
2025-04-01 Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) Known 83716
2025-04-01 Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) Known 83717
2025-04-01 Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) Known 83719
2025-04-01 Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) Known 83720
2025-04-01 Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) Known 83721
2025-04-01 Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) Known 83722
2025-04-01 Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) Known 83724
... 44 more violations

Health Effects of Nitrate

  • Methemoglobinemia ("blue baby syndrome") in infants under 6 months
  • Increased risk of colorectal and bladder cancer (long-term)
  • Thyroid disease from chronic exposure
  • Possible reproductive effects

Health risk severity: High. Governed by the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations.

How Nitrate Gets Into Drinking Water

  • Agricultural fertilizer runoff
  • Animal feedlot operations and manure
  • Septic system leachate
  • Urban stormwater and wastewater discharge

What to Do About Nitrate in Boise Water

  1. Reverse osmosis is the most effective method for nitrate removal
  2. Ion exchange systems designed for nitrate can also work
  3. Standard carbon filters do NOT remove nitrate
  4. Boiling water increases nitrate concentration — never boil for nitrate

Look for filters certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 for nitrate removal.

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