Rathdrum Tap Water Quality Report
Rathdrum's water has 4 contaminants above EPA MCLGs. We recommend using a certified water filter.
Utility
RATHDRUM WATER SYSTEM
People Served
8,108
MCL Violations
0
Last Updated
Mar 2, 2022
Is Rathdrum Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Rathdrum's water has 4 contaminants above EPA health-based guidelines. We strongly recommend using a certified water filter to reduce exposure to these contaminants. Check our filter recommendations below for NSF-certified options that can remove the specific contaminants found in Rathdrum's water.
The data below shows test results from RATHDRUM WATER SYSTEM, which serves 8,108 people in the Rathdrum area. Water quality testing is conducted regularly and reported to the EPA. This report was last updated Mar 2, 2022.
Rathdrum Water Quality Test Results
Key Water Quality Metrics
Contaminants Detected
⚠️ Contaminants Above EPA MCLG (4)
Lead
What is Lead?
Naturally occurring heavy metal commonly found in tap water
Health Effects
Health protective benchmarks for oral exposure to lead are based on delays in physical or mental development for children and infants, and impacts to the kidneys and high blood pressure for adults. Children are especially susceptible to the effects of lead. Even low levels of lead can damage the brain and nervous system, slow development, and lead to problems with learning, behavior, hearing, and speech. In adults, lead can lead to hypertension, reproductive problems, neurological disorders, decreased kidney function and muscle and joint pain. Exposure to lead can also cause anemia and impact the immune system for both children and adults. The EPA classifies lead as a probable human carcinogen.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Uranium
What is Uranium?
Uranium is a weakly radioactive heavy metal found naturally in bedrock and used in nuclear weapons, some ceramics, electron microscopy stains, photography toners, and certain fertilizers. Uranium is weakly radioactive because all of its isotopes (Uranium-234, Uranium-235, and Uranium-238) are unstable. Ninety-nine percent of naturally existing uranium is in the isotope form uranium-238. The EPA has established a maximum contaminant level for uranium in drinking water in response to human and animal studies indicating kidney toxicity and and increased risk of cancer.
Health Effects
Health protective benchmarks for uranium are based on adverse kidney system effects observed in both humans and animals and an increased risk of cancer. Animal studies have also shown female reproductive system and developmental toxicity, as well as genotoxicity, related to uranium exposure.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Gross Alpha (Excl. Radon and Uranium)
What is Gross Alpha (Excl. Radon and Uranium)?
Gross alpha activity is a measure of the total alpha particle activity in a water sample, excluding radon and uranium. It is used to assess the presence of radioactive contaminants in drinking water.
Health Effects
Exposure to high levels of alpha radiation can lead to an increased risk of cancer, particularly in the bones and other tissues where alpha particles can deposit energy.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Gross Alpha Activity
What is Gross Alpha Activity?
Gross alpha activity measures the total amount of radioactivity in a water sample emitted by decaying alpha-emitting elements, notably radioactive isotopes of uranium, radium, and radon. Alpha emitters are used to treat cancer, as an eliminator of static in paper mills and in other products like smoke detectors. Radioactive atoms release high energy alpha particles that pull electrons off of the atoms in cells. This process is called ionizing radiation, and may lead to harmful changes in cells and tissues. The toxicity of an alpha emitter depends on the amount of energy it releases and how organ systems respond to that energy. Exposure to elevated gross alpha activity is associated with increased cancer risk and genotoxicity, but toxicity to individual systems is dependent on the type of alpha emitter present.
Health Effects
Drinking water standards for gross alpha activity have been developed based on increased cancer risk associated with alpha radioactivity. Alpha radiation has been shown to produce DNA changes (genotoxicity) in laboratory studies.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Understanding the Data
This data comes from your local water utility testing. The bar charts compare detected levels against EPA's Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG). Contaminants above the MCLG are shown by default and may require filtration. All other tested contaminants are within safe levels and can be viewed by expanding the section above.
Recommended Water Filters for Rathdrum
Based on Rathdrum's water quality data, these NSF-certified filters are recommended to remove contaminants above EPA MCLGs.
Whirlpool Corporation
W11256135
NSF Certified:
Capacity
1001 gal
Filter Life
3 mo
Flow Rate
0.7 gpm
Removes 19 contaminants:
1,2 Dichlorobenzene, 1,4 Dichlorobenzene, 2,4-D, Asbestos, Atrazine +14 more
Whirlpool Corporation
W11569861
NSF Certified:
Capacity
1001 gal
Filter Life
3 mo
Flow Rate
0.52 gpm
Removes 22 contaminants:
1,2 Dichlorobenzene, 1,2,4 Trichlorobenzene, 1,4 Dichlorobenzene, 2,4-D, Asbestos +17 more
iSpring Water Systems LLC
RCC7-BLK
NSF Certified:
Daily Production
25.41 gpd
Removes 9 contaminants:
Asbestos, Barium, Cadmium, Chromium (Total), Copper +4 more
iSpring Water Systems LLC
RCC7AK-BLK
NSF Certified:
Daily Production
25.41 gpd
Removes 9 contaminants:
Asbestos, Barium, Cadmium, Chromium (Total), Copper +4 more
Verify Your Water Quality with Independent Testing
With 4 contaminants above EPA health guidelines, independent laboratory testing provides a second opinion and can track changes over time.
SimpleLab
Advanced Home Water Test
$369
Most comprehensive home water test including all standard tests plus additional parameters for ultimate peace of mind.
SimpleLab
Standard Home Water Test
$232
Comprehensive water analysis testing over 200 contaminants including bacteria, heavy metals, and chemical compounds.
Tap Score
Advanced Microplastics Test
$636
Cutting-edge testing for microplastics particles in drinking water using advanced laboratory techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rathdrum Tap Water
Rathdrum's water has 4 contaminants above EPA MCLGs. We strongly recommend using a certified water filter to reduce exposure to these contaminants. Check our filter recommendations below for NSF-certified options that can remove the specific contaminants found in Rathdrum's water.