TapWater.org

Great Falls Drinking Water Quality

What's Really in Your Tap Water?

Great Falls tap water is generally safe, though there are a few things worth knowing. With 170 ppm hardness (9.9 gpg), expect some mineral deposits over time. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. There have been 195 violations recorded over the past 3 years.

B

Generally Safe

Minor compliance issues

9.9 GPG hardness

Lead

Below EPA action level

5.73ppb
EPA Limit

EPA action level: 15 ppb

Hardness

Hard water

170ppm
0100300+

US Average: 100 ppm

Violations

Past 3 years

195total

All administrative/monitoring

View EPA report →

Is Great Falls Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Great Falls tap water meets EPA health standards, but the water utility has administrative compliance issues.

  • •No health-based violations in the past 3 years.
  • •Lead levels are below the EPA action level.
  • •195 monitoring/reporting violations (administrative issues like missed testing deadlines or late reports).
  • •While not directly health-related, frequent administrative violations may indicate operational issues with the water utility.
  • •We recommend testing your water at home for complete peace of mind.

The data below shows test results from 27 water utilities serving 76K people in the Great Falls area. Water quality testing is conducted regularly and reported to the EPA.

How Hard is Great Falls Water?

SoftVery Hard
060120180300+

170 ppm

9.9 grains per gallon

Hard

Hard water can cause scale buildup in pipes and appliances. A water softener may be beneficial.

Impact on Your Home

Shower

May dry out skin & hair

Kitchen

Spots on dishes

Laundry

Clothes may feel stiff

Appliances

Scale buildup

Regional Comparison

Great Falls
170
Montana
165
US Average
100

Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)

Based on 449 water samples from Cascade County.

Your pipes tell a different story

The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Great Falls tap water.

Test Your WaterSee top-rated kits →

Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.

Water splashing from a kitchen faucet

Lead & Contaminants

Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Great Falls

Lead Test Results

90th Percentile Lead Level

5.73 ppb

Below EPA Action Level
0EPA Limit (15)30+

Great Falls lead levels are well within safe limits.

Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.

Last sampled: 2025-12-31

About Lead in Drinking Water

What is Lead in Water?

Lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb, though they emphasize there is no safe level of lead exposure.

Potential Health Effects

Children

Developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues

Adults

High blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues

How to Reduce Exposure

  • •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
  • •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
  • •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
  • •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986

EPA Compliance History

Active Violations

Administrative issues pending

Current violations are administrative or monitoring-related. Water quality is not immediately affected, but stay informed about utility updates.

3-Year Violation Summary

195

Total Violations

0

Health-Related

195

Administrative

Active violations pending resolution

Health-Related Violations

Contaminant exceeded EPA safety limits. May require filter or alternative water source.

Administrative Violations

Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.

View Full EPA Compliance Report for Great Falls

Who Provides Great Falls's Water?

Utility Name

GREAT FALLS CITY OF

EPA System ID (PWSID)

MT0000525

Primary Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

76K

View Full EPA Report

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Great Falls tap water quality

Great Falls tap water is generally safe to drink with minor compliance issues. While there may be some monitoring violations, there are no significant health-based concerns. The water meets EPA safety standards.
Great Falls has hard water with a hardness of 170 ppm (9.9 grains per gallon). Hard water can cause scale buildup in pipes and appliances. A water softener may be beneficial.
Lead levels (5.73 ppb) are below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
Great Falls's tap water is provided by GREAT FALLS CITY OF. The EPA system ID (PWSID) is MT0000525. The primary water source is Surface Water. You can find official water quality reports and contact information through your local utility.
Based on recent water quality data, a water filter may be beneficial in Great Falls. The water is hard (170 ppm), so a water softener could reduce scale buildup in pipes and appliances.
Great Falls's water utility has had 195 violations in the past 3 years. Of these, 0 were health-based and 195 were monitoring/reporting related.
Great Falls's water utility uses chlorine or chloramine to disinfect the water supply. This is a safe and common practice required by the EPA. The taste is usually more noticeable in warm weather or near treatment facilities. To reduce chlorine taste, let water sit in an open pitcher for 30 minutes, use a refrigerator filter, or install a carbon filter on your tap.
Great Falls's tap water primarily comes from surface water sources. Surface water is collected from rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, then treated before distribution. The water is provided by GREAT FALLS CITY OF.

Nearby Cities in Montana

Billings

Very Hard water

Missoula

Moderate water

Bozeman

Hard water

Helena

Hard water

Kalispell

Moderate water

Butte

Very Hard water

View all Montana cities

This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology