Rural Idaho Well Owners Concerned Over 'Forever Chemicals' in Water

Idaho officials warn private well owners to test for PFAS contamination, especially near potential sources like military bases and landfills.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Contamination from 'forever chemicals' known as PFAS is raising concerns in rural Idaho, where private water wells are more common. The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality says PFAS could pose a unique threat in these areas, as private wells often draw from the same aquifers as public water systems. While Idaho has not seen widespread PFAS contamination like other states, the chemicals have been detected in some ground and surface waters. Officials are urging private well owners to test their water, especially those near potential PFAS sources like military bases and landfills, and consider treatment systems to filter out the chemicals.

Why it matters

PFAS chemicals are a growing environmental and public health concern across the U.S. due to their persistence in the environment and links to health problems. In rural Idaho, where many residents rely on private wells, the threat of PFAS contamination is particularly worrying since these wells are not regulated like public water systems.

The details

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality's drinking water bureau chief, Tyler Fortunati, said private wells in rural areas could be affected by PFAS contamination detected at nearby public water systems. While Idaho hasn't seen widespread PFAS issues so far, the Environmental Working Group has identified 15 PFAS-contaminated sites in the state. Fortunati recommended that private well owners, especially those near potential PFAS sources like military bases and landfills, should have their water tested, even though the testing can be expensive. He said point-of-use treatment systems installed under sinks can filter out PFAS, and well owners may need to take more drastic measures like drilling deeper wells or abandoning a contaminated system.

  • The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency launched its PFAS Strategic Roadmap in 2021 to address the growing PFAS contamination issue across the country.

The players

Tyler Fortunati

The drinking water bureau chief for the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, who is warning private well owners about the potential threat of PFAS contamination in rural areas.

Environmental Working Group

A nonprofit organization that has identified 15 PFAS-contaminated sites in Idaho.

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What they’re saying

“Private wells aren't regulated like public water systems are but they do draw often from the same aquifers that a public water system may draw from. If we are detecting or seeing PFAS at public water systems in rural communities, then private wells in those areas could also be affected.”

— Tyler Fortunati, Drinking Water Bureau Chief, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (dailyfly.com)

“Those are typically what we refer to as a point-of-use treatment system. It would be a treatment system you'd install under the sink in your home and that would be the sink that you would use for culinary and drinking water, to ensure that you are removing the PFAS from water that you may be ingesting.”

— Tyler Fortunati, Drinking Water Bureau Chief, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (dailyfly.com)

What’s next

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality is continuing to monitor PFAS levels in the state's water supplies and provide guidance to private well owners on testing and mitigation options.

The takeaway

The presence of 'forever chemicals' like PFAS in rural Idaho's private wells highlights the need for increased awareness and action around this emerging environmental health issue, especially in areas where residents rely on unregulated water sources. Proactive testing and treatment can help protect well owners from the potential risks of PFAS contamination.