Well water in Bannock County, Idaho
In Bannock County, 8% of 314 tested well samples exceeded the EPA limit for arsenic (10 ug/L), based on public data from Idaho statewide ground water quality monitoring (IDWR EDMS) and USGS Water Quality Portal.
344 individual samples from 71 wells, 1986 to 2025. Data refreshed September 9, 2026.
What individual samples found
Each row summarizes every public sample for that contaminant inside Bannock County. Above limit means above the EPA maximum contaminant level; where EPA has no enforceable limit, the row shows a health guideline or nuisance level instead.
| Contaminant | Samples | Detected | Above limit | Median | Highest | Limit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total coliform 2021 to 2022 | 21 | 19% | 19% | 0 | 69.7 | 0 MPN/100mL EPA limit | |
| Arsenic 1990 to 2025 | 314 | 72% | 8% | 2 | 50.5 | 10 ug/L EPA limit | |
| Nitrate 1990 to 2025 | 339 | 79% | 3% | 1.29 | 28.7 | 10 mg/L EPA limit | |
| Fluoride 1990 to 2025 | 325 | 78% | <1% | 0.2 | 4.82 | 4 mg/L EPA limit | |
| Nitrite 1991 to 2011 | 233 | 9% | 0% | 0 | 0.025 | 1 mg/L EPA limit | |
| Copper 1990 to 2020 | 220 | 53% | 0% | 0.001 | 0.02 | 1.3 mg/L EPA limit | |
| E. coli 1990 to 2008 | 216 | 0% | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0 MPN/100mL EPA limit | |
| Lead 1990 to 2006 | 123 | 10% | 0% | 0 | 1.3 | 15 ug/L EPA limit | |
| Uranium 1986 to 2025 | 61 | 61% | 0% | 1.3 | 11.4 | 30 ug/L EPA limit | |
| Radium (226 + 228) 2015 | 12 | 92% | 0% | 0.945 | 2.24 | 5 pCi/L EPA limit | |
| Sodium 1990 to 2025 | 344 | 100% | no limit | 30 | 190 | 20 mg/L health guideline | |
| Chloride 1990 to 2025 | 343 | 100% | no limit | 36.3 | 530 | 250 mg/L nuisance level | |
| Iron 1990 to 2025 | 318 | 56% | no limit | 5 | 3,400 | 300 ug/L nuisance level | |
| Manganese 1990 to 2025 | 307 | 51% | no limit | 0.3 | 545 | 300 ug/L health guideline | |
| Radon 1991 to 2003 | 34 | 100% | no limit | 482 | 1,900 | 2,000 pCi/L health guideline |
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What this means
The contaminants most often above their limit here are total coliform (19% of 21 samples), arsenic (8% of 314 samples), and nitrate (3% of 339 samples). A well next door can differ sharply from yours because bedrock fractures, well depth and plumbing all matter, so these rates describe the area, not your tap.
Chloride, Iron, and Manganese are widespread in local groundwater. They are mainly a staining and taste problem, but high manganese also carries a health advisory for infants.
What to test for in Bannock County
- Total coliform19% of 21 local samples were above the limit.
- Arsenic8% of 314 local samples were above the limit.
- Nitrate3% of 339 local samples were above the limit.
- Fluoride<1% of 325 local samples were above the limit.
- Coliform bacteriaRecommended for every private well, every year.
- RadonMedian local reading is 482 pCi/L.
- ChlorideDetected in 100% of local samples.
Treatment that fits the local profile
- Total coliform
- Inspect and repair the well cap and casing, then shock chlorinate and retest; UV disinfection whole-house; Chlorination system
- Arsenic
- Point-of-use reverse osmosis; Adsorptive media (iron-based) whole-house; Anion exchange
- Nitrate
- Point-of-use reverse osmosis; Anion exchange; Distillation
- Fluoride
- Point-of-use reverse osmosis; Activated alumina; Distillation
- Copper
- Neutralizing filter to raise pH; Point-of-use reverse osmosis
Get your Bannock County water tested at home
A licensed local water treatment company tests your tap water in your home, walks you through the numbers, and quotes treatment only if something needs fixing. Free, about 30 minutes, no obligation. Tell us what you need and we match you with a company that serves Bannock County.
Common questions
Is there arsenic in well water in Bannock County?
Arsenic was detected in 72% of 314 public well samples in Bannock County, and 8% were above the EPA limit of 10 ug/L. Arsenic has no taste or smell; a lab test is the only way to know your level.
How high is radon in well water in Bannock County?
The median radon level across 34 public samples in Bannock County was 482 pCi/L, with a high of 1,900 pCi/L. New Hampshire recommends treatment above 2,000 pCi/L.
How often should I test a private well in Bannock County?
Test for bacteria and nitrate every year. Test once for arsenic, uranium, radon, fluoride, manganese and PFAS, then again every three to five years or after any change in taste, color, or plumbing.
Sources
- Idaho statewide ground water quality monitoring (IDWR EDMS): 3,130 samples in Bannock County. Ground water quality results from the Idaho Department of Water Resources statewide monitoring program and partner agencies (ISDA, IDEQ, INL), EDMS bulk download. Retrieved September 9, 2026.
- USGS Water Quality Portal: 80 samples in Bannock County. Data from the Water Quality Portal, a service of USGS, EPA and USDA; groundwater samples collected by USGS and cooperators. Retrieved September 3, 2026.
Non-detects count as samples and are treated as zero when computing medians. Exactly at the limit counts as not above it. A sample belongs to the town containing the well's reported coordinates.