Idaho City Water Department water quality
1 contaminant above a federal limit. hardness not in the latest CCR.
ID4080025. Data through 2026-06-23. DEQ record.
What's in it
Arsenic
Above limitAquasana OptimH2O Reverse Osmosis + Claryum is certified to reduce it.
Total Trihalomethanes
ElevatedAquasana OptimH2O Reverse Osmosis + Claryum is certified to reduce it.
10 other contaminants tested, not detected or well below the limit
Copper 0.46ppm Gross Alpha ND Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) 53.7ppb HFPO-DA (GenX) ND Lead 4.0ppb Nitrate (as N) 0.05ppm PFHxS ND PFNA ND Radium 226 + 228 0.76pCi/L Uranium 0.2ppb
Filters that match
Aquasana OptimH2O Reverse Osmosis + Claryum
under sink ro · diy
- Arsenicremoves it, NSF or WQA certified
- Total Trihalomethanesremoves it, NSF or WQA certified
Detections ranked by share of the limitevery Tier 1 detection, highest first
Bar length is the highest result in the last 36 months as a share of the federal limit (MCL, or action level for lead and copper). The dark tick marks the limit. Gross alpha is compared after subtracting uranium, as DEQ does for compliance.
Full contaminants reporthighest, latest, limit, trend, last sample
| Contaminant | Highest, 36 mo | Federal limit | Share of limit | Status | Trend | Last sample |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenic | 53.7ppb latest 37.0ppb | 10.0ppb MCL | Above limit | 2024-11-22 | ||
| Copper 90th percentile at home taps note | 0.46ppm latest 0.30ppm | 1.30ppm AL | Detected | 2025-06-30 | ||
| Gross Alpha | ND | 15.0pCi/L MCL | Not detected | 2025-11-19 | ||
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | 53.7ppb latest 43.2ppb | 60.0ppb MCL | Detected | 2026-06-23 | ||
| HFPO-DA (GenX) | ND | 10.0ppt MCL | Not detected | 2026-06-23 | ||
| Lead 90th percentile at home taps note | 4.0ppb latest 2.0ppb | 15.0ppb AL | Detected | 2025-06-30 | ||
| Nitrate (as N) | 0.05ppm latest 0.04ppm | 10.00ppm MCL | Detected | 2025-11-19 | ||
| PFHxS | ND | 10.0ppt MCL | Not detected | 2026-06-23 | ||
| PFNA | ND | 10.0ppt MCL | Not detected | 2024-08-29 | ||
| Radium 226 + 228 | 0.76pCi/L latest 0.47pCi/L | 5.00pCi/L MCL | Detected | 2025-11-19 | ||
| Total Trihalomethanes | 248.0ppb latest 45.2ppb | 80.0ppb MCL | Elevated | 2026-06-23 | ||
| Uranium | 0.2ppb | 30.0ppb MCL | Detected | 2025-11-19 |
- Copper: 90th percentile of samples taken at customer taps. Results depend on the home's plumbing.
- Lead: 90th percentile of samples taken at customer taps. Results depend on the home's plumbing.
ppb = parts per billion (µg/L), ppm = parts per million (mg/L), ppt = parts per trillion. ND = not detected above the lab's reporting limit. MCL = federal maximum contaminant level; AL = action level for lead and copper (90th percentile of home taps); aesthetic = secondary standard for taste, odor or staining, not health. Bars show the highest result in 36 months as a share of the limit.
7 other regulated contaminants tested
| Contaminant | 36 mo max | Limit | Status | Last sample |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atrazine | ND | 3.0ppb | Not detected | 2024-11-22 |
| Benzene | ND | 5.0ppb | Not detected | 2024-11-22 |
| Cyanide | ND | 0.20ppm | Not detected | 2024-09-26 |
| 1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane | ND | 0.2ppb | Not detected | 2024-11-22 |
| Tetrachloroethylene | ND | 5.0ppb | Not detected | 2024-11-22 |
| Sodium | 9.30ppm | none | Detected | 2025-11-19 |
| Trichloroethylene | ND | 5.0ppb | Not detected | 2024-11-22 |
Hardness
Hardness is not reported in the latest CCR. Hardness not reported for this system; softener sizing uses a regional default of 11.7 gpg until a CCR value is reviewed.
See also Idaho City water hardness.
Track record37 violations on record, 10 health-based
✓ no violation recorded n monitoring or reporting only n includes a health-based violation ? outside the loaded record
Health-based violations
| Period | What happened | Contaminant | Rule | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-04-01 to 2023-04-30 | Treatment technique not met (Monthly turbidity exceedance) | n/a | Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | resolved 2023-08-14 |
| 2022-05-01 to 2022-05-31 | Treatment technique not met (Monthly turbidity exceedance) | n/a | Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | resolved 2022-08-01 |
| 2020-02-01 to 2020-02-29 | Treatment technique not met (Monthly turbidity exceedance) | n/a | Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | resolved 2020-05-18 |
| 2019-04-01 to 2019-04-30 | Treatment technique not met (Single turbidity exceedance) | n/a | Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | resolved 2019-05-31 |
| 2019-04-01 to 2019-04-30 | Treatment technique not met (Monthly turbidity exceedance) | n/a | Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | resolved 2019-05-31 |
| 2019-03-01 to 2019-03-31 | Treatment technique not met (Treatment technique precursor removal) | n/a | Ground Water Rule | resolved 2019-06-19 |
| 2019-03-01 to 2019-03-31 | Treatment technique not met (Single turbidity exceedance) | n/a | Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | resolved 2019-05-31 |
| 2017-05-01 to 2017-05-31 | Treatment technique not met (Monthly turbidity exceedance) | n/a | Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | resolved 2017-12-12 |
| 2017-04-01 to 2017-04-30 | Treatment technique not met (Monthly turbidity exceedance) | n/a | Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | resolved 2017-12-12 |
| 2017-03-01 to 2017-03-31 | Treatment technique not met (Monthly turbidity exceedance) | n/a | Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | resolved 2017-12-12 |
Monitoring and reporting violations (27)
A required sample or report was late or missing. These do not mean a contaminant was found, but a system that skips monitoring has gaps in its record.
| Year | Rule | Count | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Inorganic Chemicals | 1 | Routine monitoring, major · Cyanide |
| 2020 | Radionuclides | 2 | Routine monitoring, major · Radium 226 + 228 |
| 2019 | Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | 1 | Operation under MCL |
| 2018 | Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | 1 | · E. coli |
| 2017 | Synthetic Organic Chemicals | 1 | Routine monitoring, major |
| 2017 | Surface Water Treatment Rule | 6 | Monitoring of treatment (SWTR) |
| 2017 | Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule | 1 | Monitoring and reporting (DBP) · Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) |
| 2017 | Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule | 4 | Monitoring and reporting (DBP) · Chlorine (residual) |
| 2017 | Public Notification Rule | 1 | Public notice rule linked to violation |
| 2017 | Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | 1 | · E. coli |
| 2017 | Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | 3 | Operation under MCL |
| 2017 | Lead and Copper Rule | 1 (1 open) | Lead service line replacement (LCR) |
| 2016 | Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule | 1 | Monitoring and reporting (DBP) · Chlorine (residual) |
| 2016 | Revised Total Coliform Rule | 1 | Monitoring, routine (RTCR) |
| 2014 | Lead and Copper Rule | 1 (1 open) | Lead service line replacement (LCR) |
| 2011 | Lead and Copper Rule | 1 (1 open) | Lead service line replacement (LCR) |
Lead and copper at the tap90th percentile of sampled homes against the action level
90th percentile of samples taken at customer taps. Results depend on the home's plumbing. Results are from sampled homes in this system, not from your tap. Home plumbing can add lead and copper. First-draw samples run higher than flushed ones.
90th percentile of samples taken at customer taps. Results depend on the home's plumbing. Results are from sampled homes in this system, not from your tap. Home plumbing can add lead and copper. First-draw samples run higher than flushed ones.
Where the water comes from0 active wells
0 active wells, 1 surface water intake, and 2 treatment points on record (SDWIS counts each chlorination or filtration point as a treatment plant).
ELK CREEK INTAKE: Susceptibility: ioc moderate, voc low, soc low, microbial high (auto).
Source water assessment susceptibility: final map[IOC:Moderate Microbials:Auto High SOC:Low VOC:Low]; hydrologic sensitivity ; pci land use map[IOC:M Microbials:M SOC:L VOC:L]; system construction L;
Every match, by categorytop three per category
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links. Rankings come from the matching engine (certification + flagged contaminants + annual cost), not from who pays more. How we earn money. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices are not shown; Amazon sets them on its site.
Drinking water
Under sink, pitcher, or faucet. Treats the water you drink and cook with.
Aquasana OptimH2O Reverse Osmosis + Claryum
Certified for arsenic, total trihalomethanes, and nitrate (NSF/ANSI 58, pentavalent, NSF/ANSI 53); manufacturer-reported for uranium and radium 226 + 228.
Plumber recommended if you are not comfortable with a drain saddle and a tank. Not a whole-house solution.
Brondell Circle RC100 Reverse Osmosis System
Certified for arsenic, total trihalomethanes, and haloacetic acids (NSF/ANSI 58, pentavalent, NSF/ANSI 53).
Plumber recommended if you are not comfortable with a drain saddle and a tank. Not a whole-house solution.
Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher
Certified for total trihalomethanes, haloacetic acids, and lead (NSF/ANSI 53); manufacturer-reported for arsenic, uranium, and nitrate.
DIY. No plumbing.
Whole house
Installed where water enters the house. For fixtures, laundry and showers.
Crystal Quest Ultimate Whole House Arsenic Removal Filter (Triple Cartridge, 4-6 GPM)
Manufacturer-reported reduction for arsenic. Does not address total trihalomethanes.
Plumber recommended if you are not comfortable with this install.
Aquasana Rhino EQ-1000 Whole House Filter (1,000,000 gallons)
Manufacturer-reported reduction for total trihalomethanes. Does not address arsenic.
Plumber recommended if you are not comfortable with this install.
Express Water WH300SCKS 3-Stage Heavy Metal Whole House Filter (Sediment, KDF, Carbon)
Manufacturer-reported reduction for lead. Does not address arsenic and total trihalomethanes.
Plumber recommended if you are not comfortable with this install.
Softener or conditioner
Worth it at 7 grains per gallon or more.
Whirlpool WHES40E 40,000 Grain Water Softener
Certified for radium 226 + 228 (NSF/ANSI 44). Does not address arsenic and total trihalomethanes.
DIY if you are comfortable with this install.
Aquasure Serene Lite 650K Salt-Free Water Conditioner with Triple Purpose Pre-Filter
Does not address arsenic and total trihalomethanes.
Plumber recommended if you are not comfortable with this install.
Whirlpool WHES30E 30,000 Grain Water Softener
Does not address arsenic and total trihalomethanes.
DIY if you are comfortable with this install.
Questions about Idaho City Water Department
Is Idaho City Water Department tap water safe to drink?
In the last 36 months at least one result for Idaho City Water Department was above a federal limit: Arsenic. A single high sample is not always a violation because compliance is often judged on a running average; the violations section shows what EPA recorded. Results reflect the system's sampling points, not the plumbing in any one home.
Is Idaho City Water Department water hard?
Hardness has not been reported for Idaho City Water Department in a reviewed Consumer Confidence Report yet. The softener sizing widget uses a labelled county default until a report is reviewed.
Is Idaho City Water Department water fluoridated?
No fluoride result in the last 36 months.
Where does Idaho City Water Department water come from?
Idaho City Water Department draws from 0 active wells with 2 treatment plants on record. Source and treatment details are listed above.
What filter fits Idaho City Water Department water?
For drinking water the matching engine ranks Aquasana OptimH2O Reverse Osmosis + Claryum first for this profile, based on certified reduction claims for the contaminants flagged above. See the filters section for the reasoning and alternatives.
What was above the limit in Idaho City Water Department water?
Arsenic. Compare the value with the limit in the ranked chart and the full report above, and check the violations section for whether EPA recorded a violation.
Who to call
- System contact: KEETON, NANCY, 208-392-4584
- DEQ Boise Regional Office, 1445 N Orchard St, Boise ID 83706, (208) 373-0550
- Central District Health (well testing, septic, local health questions)
Sources
Sample results as of 2026-06-23; inventory and violations from EPA SDWIS; page built 2026-09-14. 106 individual results reviewed.
More: Idaho City water, Boise County, Arsenic, Total Trihalomethanes
Numbers are the system's samples at its taps and wells, not yours. Lead and copper are 90th percentiles from sampled homes. Well pages are nearby-sample estimates. Health text restates EPA and DEQ. Methodology.