TapWater.org

Pocatello Drinking Water Quality

What's Really in Your Tap Water?

Good news for Pocatello residents — your tap water meets all federal safety standards. With 157 ppm hardness (9.2 gpg), expect some mineral deposits over time. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. Only 1 minor violation in the past 3 years.

A

Safe to Drink

Meets all EPA standards

9.2 GPG hardness

Lead

Below EPA action level

2.01ppb
EPA Limit

EPA action level: 15 ppb

Hardness

Hard water

157ppm
0100300+

US Average: 100 ppm

Violations

Past 3 years

1total

All administrative/monitoring

View EPA report →

Is Pocatello Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Pocatello tap water meets all EPA health standards and is safe to drink.

  • •No health-based violations in the past 3 years.
  • •Lead levels are below the EPA action level.
  • •1 monitoring/reporting violation (administrative, not health-related).
  • •For complete peace of mind, consider testing your home's water—contaminants can enter through your plumbing.

The data below shows test results from 2 water utilities serving 59K people in the Pocatello area. Water quality testing is conducted regularly and reported to the EPA.

How Hard is Pocatello Water?

SoftVery Hard
060120180300+

157 ppm

9.2 grains per gallon

Hard

Hard water can cause scale buildup in pipes and appliances. A water softener may be beneficial.

Estimated from 1 neighboring county. Actual values may vary.

Impact on Your Home

Shower

May dry out skin & hair

Kitchen

Spots on dishes

Laundry

Clothes may feel stiff

Appliances

Scale buildup

Regional Comparison

Pocatello
157
Idaho
180
US Average
100

Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)

Based on 3 water samples from Bannock County.

Your pipes tell a different story

The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Pocatello tap water.

Test Your WaterSee top-rated kits →

Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.

Water splashing from a kitchen faucet

Lead & Contaminants

Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Pocatello

Lead Test Results

90th Percentile Lead Level

2.01 ppb

Below EPA Action Level
0EPA Limit (15)30+

Pocatello lead levels are well within safe limits.

Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.

Last sampled: 2023-12-31

About Lead in Drinking Water

What is Lead in Water?

Lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb, though they emphasize there is no safe level of lead exposure.

Potential Health Effects

Children

Developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues

Adults

High blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues

How to Reduce Exposure

  • •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
  • •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
  • •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
  • •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986

EPA Compliance History

Active Violations

Administrative issues pending

Current violations are administrative or monitoring-related. Water quality is not immediately affected, but stay informed about utility updates.

3-Year Violation Summary

1

Total Violations

0

Health-Related

1

Administrative

Active violations pending resolution

Health-Related Violations

Contaminant exceeded EPA safety limits. May require filter or alternative water source.

Administrative Violations

Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.

View Full EPA Compliance Report for Pocatello

Who Provides Pocatello's Water?

Utility Name

POCATELLO CITY OF

EPA System ID (PWSID)

ID6030043

Primary Water Source

Groundwater

Population Served

59K

View Full EPA Report

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Pocatello tap water quality

Yes, Pocatello tap water is safe to drink. The water meets all EPA standards with no health-based violations in the past 3 years. Lead levels are below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
Pocatello has hard water with a hardness of 157 ppm (9.2 grains per gallon). Hard water can cause scale buildup in pipes and appliances. A water softener may be beneficial.
Lead levels (2.01 ppb) are below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
Pocatello's tap water is provided by POCATELLO CITY OF. The EPA system ID (PWSID) is ID6030043. The primary water source is Groundwater. You can find official water quality reports and contact information through your local utility.
Pocatello tap water meets all EPA standards and is safe to drink without filtration. The water is hard (157 ppm), so a water softener could reduce scale buildup in pipes and appliances.
Pocatello's water utility has had 1 violation in the past 3 years. Of these, 0 were health-based and 1 was monitoring/reporting related.
Pocatello's water utility uses chlorine or chloramine to disinfect the water supply. This is a safe and common practice required by the EPA. The taste is usually more noticeable in warm weather or near treatment facilities. To reduce chlorine taste, let water sit in an open pitcher for 30 minutes, use a refrigerator filter, or install a carbon filter on your tap.
Pocatello's tap water primarily comes from groundwater sources. The water undergoes treatment at local facilities before being distributed through the municipal water system. The water is provided by POCATELLO CITY OF.

Nearby Cities in Idaho

Veolia

Hard water

Meridian

Hard water

Nampa City of

Hard water

Caldwell City of

Hard water

Idaho Falls City of

Moderate water

Twin Falls City of

Very Hard water

View all Idaho cities

This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology