Information for the Public

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Some contaminants are regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act, while others are unregulated. More information on both regulated and unregulated contaminants can be found on DEQ’s Contaminants in Drinking Water page.

Yes, DEQ can help private communities upgrade water or wastewater facilities if they operate as a community water system serving at least 15 connections or 25 year-round residents. While noncommunity water systems (transient and nontransient) may have limited funding eligibility, they can still receive technical support. Individual private wells are not eligible.

DEQ’s Facility Planning Grants cover up to 50% of eligible costs for engineering studies to improve wastewater and drinking water facilities. The State Revolving Fund Loans offer low-interest loans for design and construction of drinking water and wastewater projects.

Contact grants.loans@deq.idaho.gov with questions.

There is no need to test city water. Your provider conducts regular tests. To access results, contact your local water supplier or use DEQ’s Drinking Water Watch tool. Learn more on DEQ’s General Information on Drinking Water page.

Homeowners are responsible for testing their own wells and should follow these guidelines:

• Test annually for bacteria and nitrate
• Test every 3–5 years for arsenic, uranium, fluoride, metals
• Test every 2–3 years for lead (especially Idaho homes built before 1988)

For more information, see DEQ’s Private Well Testing Guide and DEQ’s Information on Private Wells.

In Idaho, campgrounds with privately owned water systems, whether primitive, seasonal, or year-round, are subject to different drinking water regulations based on the number and duration of people served. These factors determine the type of public water system (PWS) under IDAPA 58.01.08.003. Regulated systems must meet DEQ standards for water quality (IDAPA 58.01.02) and system maintenance (IDAPA 58.01.08). See the table below for campground-specific details.

Table 1: Regulatory Classification of Privately Owned Campground Water Systems

Sample results are available on DEQ’s Drinking Water Watch tool. Enter a system’s name, PWS number, or location to access test results and compliance info. Find additional information on DEQ’s Public Water System Switchboard.

Labs certified to perform drinking water analyses in Idaho are managed by the Idaho Bureau of Laboratories (IBL) and available here: List of certified labs. These labs meet EPA standards for water quality testing. More information can be found on DEQ’s Contaminants in Drinking Water page.

All compliance resources for public drinking water systems are based on the “Idaho Rules for Public Drinking Water Systems” (IDAPA 58.01.08). Additional information is available on the following DEQ web pages:

• Public Water System Switchboard—Tools, forms, and guidance
• System Classification and Supervision Requirements—General Information
• Sanitary Surveys—Information on required system inspections
• Capacity Development—Help improving system operations

Banks and mortgage lenders typically require proof of safe drinking water. The “Idaho Rules for Public Drinking Water Systems” (IDAPA 58.01.08) requires properties served by a community public water system (i.e., serving at least 15 connections or 25 people who live there year-round) to provide a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). If the property uses a private well, lenders may require certified lab testing to confirm water quality. Contact your water provider for a CCR copy.

For private well testing information, see DEQ’s Contaminants in Drinking Water web page, DEQ’s Private Well Testing Guide, and the Idaho Bureau of Laboratories list of certified labs.

There are several steps you can take to check for lead in service lines:

1. Check Your Home’s Age: Idaho homes built before 1988 are more likely to have lead components.
2. Inspect Plumbing Infrastructure: Look for gray, soft metal (possible lead) or galvanized steel pipes.
3. Contact Your Water Provider: Ask for information about your service line materials and available testing.
4. Test Your Water: Use a certified lab to check lead levels. DEQ offers resources and guidance on water testing.

Common sources of lead in water lines include:

• Lead service lines installed before the 1930s
• Lead-based solder used in copper plumbing prior to Idaho’s 1988 ban on lead materials
• Galvanized steel pipes downstream of lead pipes, which can accumulate and release lead over time

Learn more on DEQ’s Lead in Drinking Water page, Contaminants in Drinking Water page, and DEQ’s Private Well Testing Guide.