If your household gets its water from a private well it is solely your responsibility to make sure your drinking water doesn’t become contaminated. If your household water comes from a public drinking water system your water provider is responsible for ensuring water quality.
Some households choose to buy bottled water. Bottled water company's are required to maintain the same quality that is required of public water systems.

Recently, there have been several boil alerts in The Magic Valley. These alerts have been put into place for various reasons. The boil alert in Shoshone was placed due to contaminated canal water from a local dairy.

The boil alert in Lincoln and Gooding county was put into effect due to possible contamination from recent flooding.

Even if you don’t live in these areas the water alerts are a good reminder to everyone to have their water tested regularly. The EPA states that if your water comes from a public water system you will receive an annual water quality report every July.

If your water comes from a well the EPA recommends testing your water every year. According to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, you can have you water tested at any time by sending it to the following labs:

  • Giardia-Cryptosporidium Certificates
  • Microbiological Analysis Certificates—Idaho Labs
  • Microbiological Analysis Certificates—Out of State Labs
  • Inorganic Analysis Certificates—Idaho Labs
  • Inorganic Analysis Certificates—Out of State Labs
  • Organic Analysis Certificates—Idaho Labs
  • Organic Analysis Certificates—Out of State Labs
  • Radiochemical Analysis Certificates—Idaho Labs
  • Radiochemical Analysis Certificates—Out of State Labs

For more details about water testing visit the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare's website. The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality also provides information about protecting and maintaining your wellhead.

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