The Environmental Health Program is a part of the Idaho Division of Public Health's Bureau of Environmental Health and Communicable Diseases. We partner with local public health districts, state and federal agencies, and community organizations to achieve our mission. We provide information for Idahoans about environmental factors that impact health, and how to maintain healthy environments at home, work, and school. We promote healthy homes and communities, safe water, and clean air.
In This Section
Learn more about Environmental Health Factors and how to manage them.
Free Idaho Private Well Water Testing
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is offering free private well water testing to help Idaho residents better understand the quality of their drinking water. Many households across the state rely on private wells for drinking water, which are not regulated like public water systems. Through this program residents can have their well tested for potential contaminants, including nitrate, fluoride, arsenic, lead, uranium, manganese, chromium, nickel, copper, zinc, selenium, cadmium, and barium. Information on what results mean and next steps will also be provided, helping to keep Idaho residents informed and safe.
Testing your well water is an important step in protecting your household’s health. These naturally occurring and human-made substances can enter groundwater through a variety of sources, including geological, agriculture, and past industrial activities. Laboratory testing is the only reliable way to know what may be present in your water because contaminants are often invisible, tasteless, and odorless. The results you receive will help you make informed decisions about treatment options, maintenance, and ongoing monitoring.
Participation is simple and convenient. Idaho residents can sign up through our online system Idaho Health Tools, where you can request a free testing kit to be mailed directly to your home. The kit will include clear instructions for collecting your water sample, along with all necessary materials for returning it to the lab. Once your sample is analyzed, you will receive your results along with guidance on what they mean and any recommended next steps.
This initiative reflects our commitment to supporting safe and healthy homes across Idaho. Through outreach and education, we hope to empower well owners with the knowledge needed to protect their drinking water supply now and into the future.
Resources:
How to properly fill out a Chain of Custody (COC) document and sample water bottle label.
How to properly take a water sample with written guidance or video.
Understand your next steps after receiving your test results by reviewing the Well Water Flow Charts.
See where your data will be displayed on the Idaho Private Well Water Map.
Idaho Health Tools to access your free testing while funding is available.
Events
Health Reports
Lead contamination at Gilmore is the result of historic large-scale hard rock mining operations and wind and water erosion of mining waste. The mines on the hillsides above Gilmore operated in the early 1900s and primarily produced lead and silver ore. During the early years, processed ore was hauled over 80 miles via wagons pulled by horses or a steam-powered tractor. Later, ore was transported off the hillside by a half-mile long tramway that travelled through the townsite before emptying into waiting railroad cars.
High concentrations of lead in the soil at the Gilmore townsite were found during DEQ sampling events in 2016 and 2017. At some locations, lead soil levels are more than 50 times greater than what is considered safe for residential areas. As a result of these sampling events, DHW requested the ATSDR complete an evaluation, resulting in the ATSDR health consultation report. This report is expected to be available to the public in late 2026.
ATSDR - Public Health Assessments & Health Consultations - Idaho
Gilmore Mine Area and Townsite Fact Sheet
Please visit www.deq.idaho.gov/gilmore for more detailed site information, including related documents and past events.