We must protect water quality to maintain our high standard of living and uniquely rich quality of life in Idaho. Over 90 percent of Idahoans rely on groundwater for their drinking water. Surveys in Idaho have generally shown that groundwater quality is not a widespread problem. This program has truly been a cooperative effort as several different government agencies and the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation, a private membership-oriented organization, united to make the program a success. Groundwater monitoring surveys across the U.S. have shown that agrichemicals such as nitrogen fertilizers are contaminating many sources of groundwater.
Idaho surveys show that nitrates are being found in several major aquifers.
The Idaho DEQ has identified many aquifers in the state as vulnerable groundwater resources. This is a major concern because groundwater is the source of drinking water for more than 90 percent of Idahoans. Excessive use of irrigation water that may flush nitrates into groundwater. Intensive and extensive N fertilizer use ranging from 50 to 300 pounds N per acre on cropland. Intensive animal operations producing large quantities of manure, that may contribute nitrates to the groundwater, in localized areas.