Well water in Lincoln County, Idaho
In Lincoln County, 67% of 55 tested well samples exceeded the EPA limit for total coliform (0 MPN/100mL), based on public data from Idaho statewide ground water quality monitoring (IDWR EDMS) and USGS Water Quality Portal.
146 individual samples from 43 wells, 1956 to 2024. Data refreshed September 9, 2026.
What individual samples found
Each row summarizes every public sample for that contaminant inside Lincoln 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 2017 | 55 | 67% | 67% | 3 | 2,420 | 0 MPN/100mL EPA limit | |
| Nitrate 1991 to 2024 | 146 | 96% | <1% | 1.51 | 35.7 | 10 mg/L EPA limit | |
| Fluoride 1991 to 2024 | 111 | 96% | 0% | 0.3 | 0.7 | 4 mg/L EPA limit | |
| Arsenic 1991 to 2024 | 106 | 68% | 0% | 1.25 | 4 | 10 ug/L EPA limit | |
| Copper 1991 to 2020 | 73 | 62% | 0% | 0.001 | 0.026 | 1.3 mg/L EPA limit | |
| Nitrite 1991 to 2011 | 68 | 3% | 0% | 0 | 0.003 | 1 mg/L EPA limit | |
| E. coli 1991 to 2008 | 64 | 0% | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0 MPN/100mL EPA limit | |
| Uranium 1956 to 2024 | 53 | 100% | 0% | 2.29 | 13 | 30 ug/L EPA limit | |
| Lead 1991 to 2005 | 42 | 31% | 0% | 0 | 5 | 15 ug/L EPA limit | |
| Radium (226 + 228) 1989 to 1993 | 32 | 47% | 0% | 0 | 0.11 | 5 pCi/L EPA limit | |
| Chloride 1991 to 2024 | 131 | 100% | no limit | 6.6 | 68.8 | 250 mg/L nuisance level | |
| Sodium 1991 to 2024 | 110 | 100% | no limit | 14 | 40.4 | 20 mg/L health guideline | |
| Iron 1991 to 2024 | 106 | 18% | no limit | 0 | 210 | 300 ug/L nuisance level | |
| Manganese 1991 to 2024 | 105 | 13% | no limit | 0 | 14 | 300 ug/L health guideline | |
| Radon 1989 to 1995 | 31 | 100% | no limit | 56 | 240 | 2,000 pCi/L health guideline |
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What this means
The contaminants most often above their limit here are total coliform (67% of 55 samples) and nitrate (<1% of 146 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 is widespread in local groundwater. It is mainly a staining and taste problem, but high manganese also carries a health advisory for infants.
What to test for in Lincoln County
- Total coliform67% of 55 local samples were above the limit.
- Nitrate<1% of 146 local samples were above the limit.
- Coliform bacteriaRecommended for every private well, every year.
- RadonMedian local reading is 56 pCi/L.
- ChlorideDetected in 100% of local samples.
- FluorideDetected in 96% of local samples.
- CopperDetected in 62% 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
- 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
- Chloride
- Point-of-use reverse osmosis; Distillation
Get your Lincoln 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 Lincoln County.
Common questions
Is there arsenic in well water in Lincoln County?
Arsenic was detected in 68% of 106 public well samples in Lincoln County, and 0% 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 Lincoln County?
The median radon level across 31 public samples in Lincoln County was 56 pCi/L, with a high of 240 pCi/L. New Hampshire recommends treatment above 2,000 pCi/L.
How often should I test a private well in Lincoln 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): 1,120 samples in Lincoln 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: 113 samples in Lincoln 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.