F0/100
Garden City Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 12,500 residents · Idaho
What's In Garden City's Tap Water?
66
Contaminants Tested
2
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
PFHxS | 0.023 µg/L | 0.010 µg/L | Over Limit |
PFOS | 0.023 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
EPA Violation History
1
Violation (last 5yr)
1
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Unresolved
Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report
When: December 23, 2022Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
GARDEN CITY WATER AND SEWER SYSTEM
Population Served
12,500
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
ID4010066
Frequently Asked Questions About Garden City Water
Is Garden City tap water safe to drink?
Garden City, Idaho tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 215 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Garden City's water?
Of the 66 contaminants tested in Garden City's water supply, the most notable include PFOS, PFHxS. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Garden City have any water quality violations?
Yes, Garden City has 215 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2022. Violation types include Other, MR, MCL. 2 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Garden City?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Garden City is recommended. 2 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does Garden City's tap water come from?
Garden City's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by GARDEN CITY WATER AND SEWER SYSTEM. The system serves approximately 12,500 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Garden City's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Garden City's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Garden City's water compare to other cities in Idaho?
Garden City's water quality score of 0/100 earns a grade of F, which is considered failing. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our Idaho state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Garden City's water quality?
If you have concerns about Garden City's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (GARDEN CITY WATER AND SEWER SYSTEM) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.