Is Baker, MT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 41 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Baker, MT — Water Quality Report
Baker's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,055 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 251 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 41 remain unresolved.
What to know about Baker's water
Baker ranks #80 out of 115 cities in Montana for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Baker 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, Baker may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 79 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Baker, MT water safe to drink?
Baker'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 3 water systems serve approximately 2,055 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Baker
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Baker's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3253). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Baker's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Baker's water system has 251 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 41 remain unresolved. 79 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Fallon County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Baker's water come from?
Baker's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,055 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Baker residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Baker'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Flood & disaster history
Fallon County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Baker compares by contaminant
Explore where Baker ranks among all Montana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Baker's water comes from
Baker'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 2,055 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Baker
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAKER CITY OF | MT0000021 | 1,858 | GW |
| NORTH BAKER WATER AND OR SEWER DIST | MT0004404 | 112 | GWP |
| FALLON COUNTY WATER DISTRICT | MT0003035 | 85 | GWP |
How Baker compares
Full Montana rankings →Baker'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 Baker, MT
Wikipedia →Baker is a city in and the county seat of Fallon County, Montana, United States. The population was 1,802 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Baker's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Fallon
Frequently asked questions
Is Baker, MT tap water safe to drink?
Baker's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #80 out of 115 cities tested in Montana.
What contaminants are in Baker's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 251 violations are on record.
How is Baker'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 Baker?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Baker's water come from?
Baker's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,055 residents.
What health violations has Baker's water system had?
Baker has 1 health-based violation 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. 41 violations remain unresolved.
Is Baker's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Baker 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 251 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 Baker's water compare to other cities?
Baker ranks #80 out of 115 cities in Montana (better than 30% of state cities) and #13122 out of 15744 cities nationally (17th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.