Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Boise?
Yes, tap water in Boise is safe to drink. Veolia Water Idaho serves a blend of Boise River water and deep groundwater from dozens of wells, all treated to meet EPA standards with clean mountain-fed character.
Water Source
Veolia Water Idaho (formerly SUEZ/United Water) supplies Boise from a blend of Boise River surface water, treated at the Marden and Columbia plants, and roughly 80 groundwater wells tapping aquifers beneath the Treasure Valley.
EPA Compliance Status
Meets all federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
Notable Contaminants & Context
- •No significant contaminant concerns; both river and aquifer sources test clean
- •Naturally occurring arsenic and uranium in trace amounts at a few valley wells are treated or blended below federal limits
- •Disinfection byproducts are monitored and kept within EPA limits
Water Quality Data
Key contaminants detected vs. regulatory limits. All values from the most recent published report — Source: Suez Water Idaho 2024 CCR.
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorine (total) | 0.7 mg/L | 4.0 mg/L | ✓ |
| Fluoride | 0.71 mg/L | 4.0 mg/L | ✓ |
| Lead (90th percentile) | 1.6 µg/L | 15.0 µg/L | ✓ |
| Nitrate (as N) | 2.1 mg/L | 10.0 mg/L | ✓ |
| TTHM (Total Trihalomethanes) | 12.8 µg/L | 80.0 µg/L | ✓ |
| HAA5 (Haloacetic Acids) | 8.3 µg/L | 60.0 µg/L | ✓ |
✓ = below limit ⚠ = above health goal ✗ = exceeds guideline
How It Compares
Boise's mix of mountain-fed river water and groundwater gives it seasonal flexibility — more river water in high-demand summer months — while keeping quality consistent across the system.
Tips
- •Taste can vary slightly by neighborhood since well and river blends differ
- •No filter is needed for safety
- •Veolia publishes annual water quality reports for the Boise system
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & References
The safety rating and guidance on this page draw on the following sources. See our full methodology.
- •US EPA Safe Drinking Water Act regulations
- •EWG Tap Water Database
- •The utility's most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR)
- •WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality