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Is Nampa Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Yes! Generally Safe to Drink*

LAST UPDATED: 7:48 pm, July 27, 2022
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Table of Contents

Can You Drink Tap Water in Nampa?

Yes, Nampa's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Nampa has no active health based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) that we are aware of. Other factors such as lead piping in a home, or low levels of pollutants on immunocompromised individuals, should also be considered, however. To find more recent info we might have, you can check out our boil water notice page or the city's water provider website.

According the EPA’s ECHO database, from April 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022, Nampa's water utility, City of Nampa, had 0 violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. The last violation for Nampa was resolved on Dec. 31, 2013. This assessment is based on the City of Nampa water system, other water systems in the city may have different results.

While tap water that meets the EPA health guidelines generally won’t make you sick to your stomach, it can still contain regulated and unregulated contaminants present in trace amounts that could potentially cause health issues over the long-run. These trace contaminants may also impact immunocompromised and vulnerable individuals.

The EPA is reviewing if it’s current regulations around pollutant levels in tap water are strict enough, and the health dangers posed by unregulated pollutants, like PFAS.

Water Quality Report for Nampa Tap Water

The most recent publicly available numbers for measured contaminant levels in Nampa tap water are in its 2020 Water Quality Report. As you can see, there are levels which the EPA considers to be acceptable, but being below the maximum allowable level doesn’t necessarily mean the water is healthy.

Lead in tap water, for example, is currently allowed at up to 15ppb by the EPA, but it has set the ideal goal for lead at zero. This highlights how meeting EPA standards doesn’t necessarily mean local tap water is healthy.

EPA regulations continue to change as it evaluates the long term impacts of chemicals and updates drinking water acceptable levels. The rules around arsenic, as well as, lead and copper are currently being re-evaluated.

There are also a number of "emerging" contaminants that are not currently. For example, PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), for which the EPA has issued a health advisory. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" since they tend not to break down in the environment or the human body and can accumulate over time.

We recommend looking at the contaminants present in Nampa's water quality reports, or getting your home's tap water tested to see if you should be filtering your water.

Nampa Tap Water Safe Drinking Water Act Violation History - Prior 10 Years

Below is a ten year history of violations for the water system named City of Nampa for Nampa in Idaho. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.

From Jan. 1, 2011 to Dec. 31, 2013, Nampa had 29 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violations with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring, Regular which falls into the Chemicals rule code group, and the Synthetic Organic Chemicals rule code family for the following contaminant codes: Endrin, BHC-GAMMA, Methoxychlor, Toxaphene, Dalapon, Diquat, Endothall, Glyphosate, Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate, OXAMYL, Simazine, Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, Picloram, Dinoseb, Hexachlorocyclopentadiene, Carbofuran, Atrazine, LASSO, Heptachlor, Heptachlor epoxide, 2,4-D, 2,4,5-TP, HEXACHLOROBENZENE, Benzo(a)pyrene, Pentachlorophenol, Chlordane, ETHYLENE DIBROMIDE, Total Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB), 1,2-DIBROMO-3-CHLOROPROPANE.

Is there Lead in Nampa Water?

Based on the EPA’s ECHO Database, 90% of the samples taken from the Nampa water system, City of Nampa, between sample start date and sample end date, were at or below, 0.0 mg/L of lead in Nampa water. This is 0% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. This means 10% of the samples taken from Nampa contained more lead.

While Nampa water testing may have found 0.0 mg/L of lead in its water, that does not mean your water source has the same amount. The amount of lead in water in a city can vary greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood, or even building to building. Many buildings, particularly older ones, have lead pipes or service lines which can be a source of contamination. To find out if your home has lead, we recommend getting you water tested.

No amount of lead in water is healthy, only less dangerous. As lead accumulates in our bodies over time, even exposure to relatively small amounts can have negative health effects. For more information, please check out our Lead FAQ page.

Are there PFAS in Nampa Tap Water?

Currently, testing tap water for PFAS isn’t mandated on a national level. We do have a list of military bases where there have been suspected or confirmed leaks. There appears to be at least one military base - Boise Air Terminal - near Nampa with suspected leaks.

With many potential sources of PFAS in tap water across the US, the best information we currently have about which cities have PFAS in their water is this ewg map, which you can check to see if Nampa has been evaluated for yet.

Our stance is better safe than sorry, and that it makes sense to try to purify the tap water just in case.

Nampa SDWA Violation History Table - Prior 10 Years

Compliance Period Status Health-Based? Category Code Code Rule Code Contaminant Code Rule Group Code Rule Family Code
01/01/2011 - 12/31/2013 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Endrin (2005) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
01/01/2011 - 12/31/2013 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) BHC-GAMMA (2010) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
01/01/2011 - 12/31/2013 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Methoxychlor (2015) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
01/01/2011 - 12/31/2013 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Toxaphene (2020) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
01/01/2011 - 12/31/2013 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Dalapon (2031) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
01/01/2011 - 12/31/2013 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Diquat (2032) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
01/01/2011 - 12/31/2013 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Endothall (2033) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
01/01/2011 - 12/31/2013 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Glyphosate (2034) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
01/01/2011 - 12/31/2013 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (2035) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
01/01/2011 - 12/31/2013 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) OXAMYL (2036) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
01/01/2011 - 12/31/2013 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Simazine (2037) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
01/01/2011 - 12/31/2013 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (2039) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
01/01/2011 - 12/31/2013 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Picloram (2040) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
01/01/2011 - 12/31/2013 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Dinoseb (2041) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
01/01/2011 - 12/31/2013 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Hexachlorocyclopentadiene (2042) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
01/01/2011 - 12/31/2013 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Carbofuran (2046) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
01/01/2011 - 12/31/2013 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Atrazine (2050) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
01/01/2011 - 12/31/2013 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) LASSO (2051) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
01/01/2011 - 12/31/2013 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Heptachlor (2065) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
01/01/2011 - 12/31/2013 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Heptachlor epoxide (2067) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
01/01/2011 - 12/31/2013 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) 2,4-D (2105) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
01/01/2011 - 12/31/2013 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) 2,4,5-TP (2110) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
01/01/2011 - 12/31/2013 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) HEXACHLOROBENZENE (2274) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
01/01/2011 - 12/31/2013 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Benzo(a)pyrene (2306) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
01/01/2011 - 12/31/2013 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Pentachlorophenol (2326) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
01/01/2011 - 12/31/2013 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Chlordane (2959) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
01/01/2011 - 12/31/2013 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) ETHYLENE DIBROMIDE (2946) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
01/01/2011 - 12/31/2013 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) Total Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB) (2383) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)
01/01/2011 - 12/31/2013 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320) 1,2-DIBROMO-3-CHLOROPROPANE (2931) Chemicals (300) Synthetic Organic Chemicals (320)

What do these Violations Mean?

Safe Drinking Water Act Violations categories split into two groups, health based, and non-health based. Generally, health based violations are more serious, though non-health based violations can also be cause for concern.

Health Based Violations

  1. Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) - maximum allowed contaminant level was exceeded.
  2. Maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs) - maximum allowed disinfectant level was exceeded.
  3. Other violations (Other) - the exact required process to reduce the amounts of contaminants in drinking water was not followed.

Non-Health Based Violations

  1. Monitoring and reporting violations (MR, MON) - failure to conduct the required regular monitoring of drinking water quality, and/or to submit monitoring results on time.
  2. Public notice violations (Other) - failure to immediately alert consumers if there is a serious problem with their drinking water that may pose a risk to public health.
  3. Other violations (Other) - miscellaneous violations, such as failure to issue annual consumer confidence reports or maintain required records.

SDWA Table Key

Field Description
Compliance Period Dates of the compliance period.
Status Current status of the violation.
  • Resolved - The violation has at least one resolving enforcement action. In SDWIS, this indicates that either the system has returned to compliance from the violation, the rule that was violated was no longer applicable, or no further action was needed.
  • Archived - The violation is not Resolved, but is more than five years past its compliance period end date. In keeping with the Enforcement Response Policy, the violation no longer contributes to the public water system's overall compliance status. Unresolved violations are also marked as Archived when a system ceases operations (becomes inactive).
  • Addressed - The violation is not Resolved or Archived, and is addressed by one or more formal enforcement actions.
  • Unaddressed - The violation is not Resolved or Archived, and has not been addressed by formal enforcement.
show details
Health-Based? Whether the violation is health based.
Category Code
The category of violation that is reported.
  • TT - Treatment Technique Violation
  • MRDL - Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level
  • Other - Other Violation
  • MCL - Maximum Contaminant Level Violation
  • MR - Monitoring and Reporting
  • MON - Monitoring Violation
  • RPT - Reporting Violation
show details
Code A full description of violation codes can be accessed in the SDWA_REF_CODE_VALUES (CSV) table.
Contaminant Code A code value that represents a contaminant for which a public water system has incurred a violation of a primary drinking water regulation.
Rule Code Code for a National Drinking Water rule.
  • 110 - Total Coliform Rule
  • 121 - Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 122 - Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 123 - Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 130 - Filter Backwash Rule
  • 140 - Ground Water Rule
  • 210 - Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 220 - Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 230 - Total Trihalomethanes
  • 310 - Volatile Organic Chemicals
  • 331 - Nitrates
  • 332 - Arsenic
  • 333 - Inorganic Chemicals
  • 320 - Synthetic Organic Chemicals
  • 340 - Radionuclides
  • 350 - Lead and Copper Rule
  • 410 - Public Notice Rule
  • 420 - Consumer Confidence Rule
  • 430 - Miscellaneous
  • 500 - Not Regulated
  • 111 - Revised Total Coliform Rule
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Rule Group Code Code that uniquely identifies a rule group.
  • 120 - Surface Water Treatment Rules
  • 130 - Filter Backwash Rule
  • 140 - Groundwater Rule
  • 210 - Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 220 - Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 230 - Total Trihalomethanes
  • 310 - Volatile Organic Chemicals
  • 320 - Synthetic Organic Chemicals
  • 330 - Inorganic Chemicals
  • 340 - Radionuclides
  • 350 - Lead and Copper Rule
  • 400 - Other
  • 500 - Not Regulated
  • 110 - Total Coliform Rules
  • 410 - Public Notice Rule
  • 420 - Consumer Confidence Rule
  • 430 - Miscellaneous
show details
Rule Family Code Code for rule family.
  • 100 - Microbials
  • 200 - Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 300 - Chemicals
  • 400 - Other
  • 500 - Not Regulated
show details

For more clarification please visit the EPA's data dictionary.

Nampa Water - Frequently Asked Questions

DO I NEED TO TAKE SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS?
Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons, such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA and Central District Health guidelines on appropriate means to lessen risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Water Drinking Hotline at 1.800.426.4791. While your drinking water meets EPA’s standard for arsenic, it does contain low levels of arsenic. EPA’s standard balances the current understanding of arsenic’s possible health effects against the costs of removing arsenic from drinking water. EPA continues to research the health effects of low levels of arsenic, which is a mineral known to cause cancer in humans at high concentrations and is linkedto other health effects such as skin damage and circulatory problems. Nitrate in drinking water at levels above 10 parts per million (ppm) is a health risk for infants of less than six months of age. High nitrate levels in drinking water can cause blue baby syndrome. Nitrate levels may rise quickly for short periods of time because of rainfall or agricultural activity. If you are caring for an infant, you should ask advice from your health care provider. If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. The City of Nampa is responsible for providing high quality drinking water but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking and cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800.462.4791 or www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.
IS THERE FLUORIDE IN MY WATER?
Some fluoride compounds dissolve easily into groundwater as it moves through gaps and pore spaces between rocks. City of Nampa water supplies contain naturally occurring, low levels of fluoride; therefore, our water supplies meet EPA standards for fluoride.
WHERE DOES YOUR WATER COME FROM?
The City of Nampa’s drinking water supply is fully sourced by groundwater wells, 14 in total, which draw from the western Snake River Plain Aquifer. These wells serve over 99,277 customers. Water is delivered to individual homes and businesses through over 549 miles of pipe. In this water quality report, you will find an overview of the water testing programs in place to protect your drinking water system. In 1996, Congress amended the Safe Drinking Water Act to emphasize the protection of surface and ground water sources used for public drinking water. The amendments require that each state possessing primacy over its drinking water develop a source water assessment plan for drinking water sources, conduct assessments on all public water systems, and make the assessments available to the consumer. The City of Nampa’s Source Water Assessment can be requested through Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ) by calling 208.373.0500. PWS #3140080 City of Nampa
HOW DO I CONTACT NAMPA CUSTOMER SERVICE?
To contact customer service for the Nampa water provider, City of Nampa, please use the information below.
By Mail: 24 1ST ST S
NAMPA, ID, 83651
HOW TO PAY BILL FOR CITY OF NAMPA
Already have an account?

Existing customers can login to their City of Nampa account to pay their Nampa water bill by clicking here.

Want to create a new account?

If you want to pay your City of Nampa bill online and haven't made an account yet, you can create an account online. Please click here to create your account to pay your Nampa water bill.

Want to pay without an account?

If you don't want to make an account, or can't remember your account, you can make a one-time payment towards your Nampa water bill without creating an account using a one time payment portal with your account number and credit or debit card. Click here to make a one time payment.

HOW TO START & STOP NAMPA WATER SERVICE
Starting Your Service

Moving to a new house or apartment in Nampa means you will often need to put the water in your name with City of Nampa. In order to put the water in your name, please click the link to the start service form below. Start service requests for water bills typically take two business days.

Start Service Form

Want to create a new account?

Leaving your house or apartment in Nampa means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with City of Nampa. In order to take your name off the water bill, please click the link to the stop service form below. Stop service for water bills requests typically take two business days.

Stop Service Form

USER SUBMITTED RATINGS

Nampa tap water
  • Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility 39% Low
  • Water Pollution 49% Moderate
  • Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility 61% High
  • Water Quality 51% Moderate

The above data is comprised of subjective, user submitted opinions about the water quality and pollution in Nampa, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).

Related FAQS

Nampa Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report)

The EPA mandates that towns and cities consistently monitor and test their tap water. They must report their findings in an annual Consumer Confidence Report. Below is the most recent water quality report from Nampa's Water. If you would like to see the original version of the report, please click here.

Do I need to take special precautions?

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons, such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA and Central District Health guidelines on appropriate means to lessen risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Water Drinking Hotline at 1.800.426.4791.

Arsenic

While your drinking water meets EPA’s standard for arsenic, it does contain low levels of arsenic. EPA’s standard balances the current understanding of arsenic’s possible health effects against the costs of removing arsenic from drinking water. EPA continues to research the health effects of low levels of arsenic, which is a mineral known to cause cancer in humans at high concentrations and is linkedto other health effects such as skin damage and circulatory problems.

Nitrate

Nitrate in drinking water at levels above 10 parts per million (ppm) is a health risk for infants of less than six months of age. High nitrate levels in drinking water can cause blue baby syndrome. Nitrate levels may rise quickly for short periods of time because of rainfall or agricultural activity. If you are caring for an infant, you should ask advice from your health care provider.

Lead

If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. The City of Nampa is responsible for providing high quality drinking water but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking and cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800.462.4791 or www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my water hard?

In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, EPA prescribes regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. Food and Drug Administration regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health.

The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. Contaminants that may be present in source water:

  • Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.
  • Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or result from urban storm water runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.
  • Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban storm water runoff, and residential uses.
  • Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff, and septic systems.
  • Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

CITY OF NAMPA 2020

water QUALITY REPORT

City of Nampa water hardness level ranges from none to 7.08 grains of hardness per gallon. Water hardness is classified by the U.S. Department of Interior and the Water Quality Association as follows:

Classification

grains/gal

Soft

 

0-1

 

 

Slightly hard

1-3.5

 

 

Moderately hard

3.5-7.0

 

 

Hard

7.0-10.5

 

 

Very hard

10.5+

 

 

Water becomes hard by picking up mineral as it moves through the soil and rock. Water is a good solvent, so it retains minerals easily. Hard water can leave residue on glassware and plumbing fixtures, but it does not pose a public health hazard. Vinegar or store-bought mineral removal products can prevent and remove mineral buildup on dishes or other glass surfaces.

Is there fluoride in my water?

Some fluoride compounds dissolve easily into groundwater as it moves through gaps and pore spaces between rocks. City of Nampa water supplies contain naturally occurring, low levels of fluoride; therefore, our water supplies meet EPA standards for fluoride.

Do I need a backflow assembly?

If you are unsure of your need for a device, please contact Nampa City Waterworks to schedule a determination survey. Our Backflow Inspector can provide you with details on the approved device type, premise isolation location, and information for ongoing test requirements. If you have any questions about your need for a backflow assembly, call the City of Nampa Waterworks to speak with our Backflow inspector.

Dear Customers,

We are pleased to share with you the City of Nampa 2020 Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). We vigilantly safeguard the water supply and are proud to report that our system has met or exceeded all drinking water quality standards.

While meeting requirements set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure that the water provided by the City is safe to consume, we also welcome this opportunity to share water system improvements and program management updates made in 2020. Reinvesting in water infrastructure is critical when striving to deliver the highest water quality possible to our customers - we have managed these improvements while maintaining affordable and sustainable rates.

A few improvements made to the water system in 2020 include the following:

  • Preventative maintenance was performed on two domestic water pumping facilities. The preventative maintenance program helps ensure reliability of the City well supply to the distribution system.
  • Water line tie ins from S. Juniper St. to S. Maple St. and S. Locust St.
  • Alley water line and service upgrades between S. Olive St. and 12th Ave. Rd. from E. Sherman Ave. to 14th St. S.
  • W. Flamingo Ave. water and service line upgrade from N. Cassia St. to N. Middleton Rd.

If you have any questions about this report, please go to www.nampawaterdivision.org, email us at water@cityofnampa.us, or call our office at 208.468.5860.

Sincerely,

Keith Begay

Nampa Water Division Superintendent

2020 Drinking Water Quality

In 2020 the City of Nampa Waterworks Division took approximately 550 water samples and monitored for over 75 contaminants as required by the EPA and IDEQ, including disinfectant byproducts: organic, inorganic, microbiological, and radioactive contaminants. All results are for 2020, unless otherwise noted. Only contaminants that fell within detectable levels were included in this report. The results continue to meet or surpass all State and Federal drinking water standards.

Tips for Reading Results

Each of the regulated contaminants compares to a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) and a Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) as established by the EPA and IDEQ. Definitions for technical terms is included on the bottom of this page.

Contaminants

MCLG

 

MCL

Highest

Result

 

Range of

Sample

Date

Violation

 

Typical Source

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Results

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disinfectants & Disinfectant By-Products (There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.)

Chlorine (as Cl2) (ppm)

4

4

2.20

Annual Ave.

2020

No

Water additive used to control microbes

 

 

 

 

0.27

 

 

 

TTHMs [Total trihalomethanes] (ppb)

NA

80

8.17

ND

2020

No

Disinfection by-product Annual Average 4.13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Halo acetic Acids (HAA5) (ppb)

NA

60

2.26

ND

2019

No

Disinfection by-product Annual Average 1.07

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inorganic Contaminants

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arsenic (ppb)

0

10

7.5

ND-7.5

2018

No

Erosion of Natural Deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barium (ppm)

2

2

0.1

ND-0.1

2019

No

Erosion of Natural Deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chromium (ppm)

100

100

7

ND-7

2018

No

Erosion of Natural Deposits

Where Does Your Water Come From?

The City of Nampa’s drinking water supply is fully sourced by groundwater wells, 14 in total, which draw from the western Snake River Plain Aquifer. These wells serve over 99,277 customers. Water is delivered to individual homes and businesses through over 549 miles of pipe.

Source Water Assessment

In this water quality report, you will find an overview of the water testing programs in place to protect your drinking water system. In 1996, Congress amended the Safe Drinking Water Act to emphasize the protection of surface and ground water sources used for public drinking water. The amendments require that each state possessing primacy over its drinking water develop a source water assessment plan for drinking water sources, conduct assessments on all public water systems, and make the assessments available to the consumer. The City of Nampa’s Source Water Assessment can be requested through Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ) by calling 208.373.0500. PWS #3140080 City of Nampa

Protect your family

Get your backflow

assembly tested

If you have a sprinkler system connected to the public water supply or own a commercial property, you are required by state law to have an approved backflow assembly installed and tested annually. Backflow

assemblies are mechanical

devices that safeguard

public health by preventing

contaminants from entering the

public water supply.

Fluoride (ppm)

 

 

4

4

1.3

0.1-1.3

2018

 

No

 

Erosion of Natural Deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nitrate [measured as Nitrogen] (ppm)

 

 

10

10

6.7

 

ND

2020

 

No

 

Erosion of Natural Deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Microbiological Contaminants

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Coliforms (% positive in monthly samples)

 

 

0

5

6

 

ND-6

2020

 

No

 

Naturally Present in Environment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Radioactive Contaminants

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alpha emitters (pCi/L)

 

 

0

15

6.4

 

Annual

2018

 

No

 

Erosion of Natural Deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average 3.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Combined Radium -226 & -228 (pCi/L)

 

 

0

5

2.32

 

ND-2.32

2017

 

No

 

Erosion of Natural Deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Combined Uranium (ug/L)

 

 

0

30

14

 

ND - 14

2018

 

No

 

Erosion of Natural Deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Highest

Result

 

 

# Samples

Sample

Date

 

Exceeds

AL

 

 

Contaminants

 

MCLG

 

 

AL

 

 

 

Exceeding

 

 

Typical Source

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper - action level at consumer taps (ppm)

 

 

1.3

1.3

0.06

0

2018

 

No

 

Corrosion of household plumbing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

systems; erosion of natural deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

31 samples taken

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lead - action level at consumer taps (ppb)

 

 

0

15

 

ND

0

2018

 

No

 

Corrosion of household plumbing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

systems; erosion of natural deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

31 samples taken

 

Action Level (AL): The concentration of a contaminate which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements

 

which a water system must follow.

 

Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are

 

set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology.

Definitions

Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG): The level of contaminant in drinking water below which there is no

known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.

 

Not detected (ND): Substance not detectable using current monitoring methods.

ppb: Parts per billion, also known as micrograms per liter (μg/L) which is equal to the number of micrograms of a substance in one liter of water.

ppm: Parts per million, also known as milligrams per liter (mg/L) which is equal to the number of milligrams of a substance in one liter of water. One part per million is equal to 1,000 parts per billion.

pCi/L: Picocuries per liter (a measure of radioactivity)

Este informe contiene informacion muy importante sobre la calidad de su agua potable. Por favor lea este informe o comuniquese con alguien que pueda traducir la informacion.

Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other, potentially harmful, waterborne pathogens may be present, or that a potential pathway exists through which contamination may enter the drinking water distribution system. Lab test results indicated the presence of coliforms, indicating the need to look for potential problems in water treatment or distribution system. DEQ requirements dictated the City conduct assessment(s) to identify problems and to correct any problems that were found during these assessments.

During the past year the city was required to conduct one Level 1 assessment. This requirement is due to the “Idaho Rules for Public Water Systems” (IDAPA 58.01.08.305) which states more than 5% total coliform positive (E. coli absent) samples in the same month for systems taking 40 or more samples per month must be followed by a Level 1 Assessment. One Level 1 assessment was completed. Identified in the assessment were three corrective actions and all three corrective actions were completed. Documentation was submitted to DEQ for compliance.

During the past year, the City distribution system received a lab sample result detecting a presence for E. coli in the water sample, DEQ immediately notified the City of a positive sample. Action was taken after notification, samples were collected in the specified locations(s), following DEQ guidelines, and the resampled lab results were absent for coliform or E. coli. The system was not in violation of the E. coli MCL. These actions are required in accordance with the “Idaho Rules for Public Drinking Water Systems” (IDAPA 58.01.08.100 and 323).

Contaminants


City of Nampa

EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2019 - March 2019), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.

Utility details

  • Serves: 81557
  • Data available: 2012-2017
  • Data Source: Groundwater
  • Total: 16

Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines

  • Arsenic
  • Chromium (hexavalent)
  • Nitrate
  • Nitrate and nitrite
  • Radium%2C combined (-226 & -228)
  • Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
  • Uranium

Other Detected Contaminants

  • Barium
  • Chlorate
  • Chromium (total)
  • Fluoride
  • Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
  • Molybdenum
  • Nitrite
  • Strontium
  • Vanadium

Reminder

Always take extra precautions, the water may be safe to drink when it leaves the sewage treatment plant but it may pick up pollutants during its way to your tap. We advise that you ask locals or hotel staff about the water quality. Also, note that different cities have different water mineral contents.

Sources and Resources

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