Nitrate in Bonners Ferry, ID Drinking Water
Nitrate data for Bonners Ferry, Idaho · 8,956 residents · 1 ZIP code
Over the past reporting period, water systems in Bonners Ferry, Idaho have recorded Nitrate at detectable concentrations in EPA compliance samples.
Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-05-14
Nitrate in Bonners Ferry Tap Water
Bonners Ferry, Idaho has 12 EPA violations related to nitrate in drinking water.
This analysis covers 8,956 residents across 1 ZIP code in Bonners Ferry.
Bonners Ferry's overall water quality grade is C (68/100).
Is Nitrate in Bonners Ferry Water Safe?
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 Bonners Ferry
| Date | Violation Type | Status | ZIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-07-01 | Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) | Known | 83805 |
| 2025-04-01 | Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) | Known | 83805 |
| 2025-01-01 | Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) | Known | 83805 |
| 2024-10-01 | Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) | Known | 83805 |
| 2024-07-01 | Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) | Known | 83805 |
| 2024-04-01 | Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) | Known | 83805 |
| 2024-01-01 | Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) | Known | 83805 |
| 2023-10-01 | Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) | Known | 83805 |
| 2023-07-01 | Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) | Known | 83805 |
| 2023-04-01 | Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) | Known | 83805 |
| 2023-01-01 | Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) | Known | 83805 |
| 2022-10-01 | Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) | Known | 83805 |
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 Bonners Ferry Water
- Reverse osmosis is the most effective method for nitrate removal
- Ion exchange systems designed for nitrate can also work
- Standard carbon filters do NOT remove nitrate
- Boiling water increases nitrate concentration — never boil for nitrate
Look for filters certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 for nitrate removal.