Is Ashland, MT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 35 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Ashland, MT — Water Quality Report
Ashland's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,050 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 286 violations on record, including 49 health-based violations. 35 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ashland's water
Ashland ranks #81 out of 115 cities in Montana for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Ashland relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Ashland may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 33 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ashland, MT water safe to drink?
Ashland's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,050 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ashland
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ashland's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4172). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4127). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ashland's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ashland's water system has 286 total violations on record, including 49 health-based violations. 35 remain unresolved. 33 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Rosebud County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1978. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Tongue River At Ashland.
Where does Ashland's water come from?
Ashland's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,050 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Tongue River At Ashland (river).
What Ashland residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ashland's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Ashland's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtRosebud County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Rosebud County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1978. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ashland compares by contaminant
Explore where Ashland ranks among all Montana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ashland's water comes from
Ashland's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 1,050 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Ashland
Ashland is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Ashland
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ST LABRE INDIAN SCHOOL | MT0000018 | 650 | GW |
| ASHLAND WATER AND SEWER DIST | MT0000458 | 400 | GW |
How Ashland compares
Full Montana rankings →Ashland's score of 50/100 is on par with the average of 45/100 among major Montana cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Montana rankings →About Ashland, MT
Wikipedia →Ashland is a census-designated place (CDP) in Rosebud County, Montana, United States. The population was 464 at the 2000 census. Ashland is immediately east of the boundary of the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation and also along the Tongue River. It is the location of the St. Labre Indian Catholic High School, established in 1884 as a boarding school by a Catholic mission to the Cheyenne.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ashland's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Rosebud
Frequently asked questions
Is Ashland, MT tap water safe to drink?
Ashland's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #81 out of 115 cities tested in Montana.
What contaminants are in Ashland's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 286 violations are on record.
How is Ashland's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Ashland?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ashland's water come from?
Ashland's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,050 residents.
What health violations has Ashland's water system had?
Ashland has 49 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 35 violations remain unresolved.
Is Ashland's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ashland uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 286 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Ashland's water compare to other cities?
Ashland ranks #81 out of 115 cities in Montana (better than 30% of state cities) and #13164 out of 15744 cities nationally (16th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.