Department of
Environmental Quality

Source water is the untreated ground water (aquifers and springs) and surface waters (rivers, streams, and lakes) used to supply drinking water for private, domestic wells and public water systems. Ground water and surface water used for drinking water supplies are often vulnerable to contamination from land use practices (such as farming) and potential contaminant sources (such as gas stations) within the vicinity of drinking water wells and intakes. However, steps can be taken to minimize this vulnerability and help keep public drinking water free from contaminants.

Source Water Protection

Source water protection is a voluntary effort a community can implement to help prevent contamination of the source water that supplies its public water system. The effort may involve creating a source water (or drinking water) protection plan and implementing regulatory and/or non-regulatory management practices. Learn more.

Source Water Assessments

A source water assessment provides information on the potential contaminant threats to public drinking water sources. In Idaho, ground water is the source of 95% of drinking water. As required by the Safe Drinking Water Act, assessments of all recognized public water sources in Idaho have been completed and summarized in reports that define the zone of contribution, identify the significant potential sources of contamination, and determine the likelihood that the water supply will become contaminated. Learn more and access the report on your water system.

Source Water Protection Grants

Source Water Protection Grants provide funding for projects to protect sources of public drinking water. Projects are expected to provide long-term benefits to drinking water quality, quantity, awareness, and/or security. Learn more.