WaterVerge

Is Billings, UT Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓

2K residents served 4 water systems PWSID: MT0000464
Overall Score
75.7 / 100
Violations
9 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#87 of 177 in Utah Top 61% nationally
Private
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
BGRADE
Water Quality Grade
75.7/100
waterverge.com
B 75.7/100

Billings, UT — Water Quality Report

Billings's drinking water received a grade of B (75.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,877 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.

The system has 22 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 9 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Billings's water

Billings ranks #87 out of 177 cities in Utah for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

Billings 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.

While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.

As a small community water system, Billings may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
75.7 out of 100 Grade B
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
36.7/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
14/20
C
Lead at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
3/10
F
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Billings, UT water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Billings's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,877 residents using groundwater (wells).

9
Active Violations
6.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
5 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Billings

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Billings's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75.7/100).

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Disaster
FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4752). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Disaster
FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4011). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Billings's water supply.

Lead Elevated
Detected: 6.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 1.47 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.

Violation history

Billings's water system has 22 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 9 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MROtherTT
Most recent violations:
Jul 2025 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jul 2025 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jul 2023 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Dec 2021 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jul 2021 Consumer Confidence Rule Open

Flood & environmental risk

Utah County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1983. 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 Hobble Creek, Provo River, American Fk Ab Upper Powerplant Nr American Fk.

FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4752
FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4011
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Coastal Storm FEMA DR-3223

Where does Billings's water come from?

Billings's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 1,877 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Hobble Creek (river), Provo River (river), American Fk Ab Upper Powerplant Nr American Fk (river).

What Billings residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Billings's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Flush your taps

Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.

Monitor alerts during storms

Billings'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
6.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 40% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
1.47 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +13% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Compliance Record

Violation summary

22
Total violations
1
Health-based
9
Active / unresolved
Jul 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

22 Total
9 Active
1 Health-based
13 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
7
Lead and Copper Rule
5
Consumer Confidence Rule
3
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
2
Nitrate Rule
2
Jul 2025 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2025 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2023 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Dec 2021 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2021 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2006 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 1997 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 1996 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Dec 2015 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2015
Jan 2011 Resolved
Asbestos
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2013
Jan 2004 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2004
Jan 2004 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2004
Oct 1998 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 1998
Feb 1998 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Feb 1998
Jan 1998 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jan 1998
Nov 1997 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Nov 1997
Jan 1996 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1996
Mar 1995 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1995
Feb 1995 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Feb 1995
Showing 20 of 22 violations
Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

5
Declared disasters
Dec 2023
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Utah County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1983. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Dec 2023
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4752
Aug 2011
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4011
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Coastal Storm FEMA #3223
Aug 1984
SEVERE STORMS, MUDSLIDES, LANDSLIDES & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #720
Apr 1983
SEVERE STORMS, LANDSLIDES & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #680

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Billings's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🚰
For Lead
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53-Certified Pitcher
Lead detected at 6.0 ppb
Read our guide →
🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 6.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 1.47 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 4.0 ppb from 1993 (4.0 ppb) to 2025 (0.0 ppb).

Copper level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
Copper has decreased by 0.080 mg/L from 2007 (1.550 mg/L) to 2009 (1.470 mg/L).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Private
Population Served
1,877
Water Systems
4
Source breakdown
Purchased Surface Water
3
Groundwater
1
Water Source

Where Billings's water comes from

Groundwater

Billings'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 1,877 people through 4 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Billings

Billings is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Hobble Creek
river
Provo River
river
American Fk Ab Upper Powerplant Nr American Fk
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Billings

System Name PWSID Population Source
MEADOWLARK OF BILLINGS LLC MT0000464 800 GW
GOLDEN MEADOWS SUBDIVISION MT0005141 772 SWP
GOLDEN MEADOWS SUBDIVISION 2ND CC MT0005186 245 SWP
RIDGEVIEW SUBDIVISION PHASE ONE MT0005232 60 SWP
Regional Comparison

How Billings compares

Full Utah rankings →

Billings's score of 75.7/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Utah cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Billings (this city)
75.7
Orem
40.7
Sandy
39.5
Lehi
44.9
Utah avg
50
City Profile

About Billings, UT

Wikipedia →

Orem is a city in Utah County, Utah, United States, in the north central part of the state. It is adjacent to Provo, Lindon, and Vineyard and is approximately 45 miles (72 km) south of Salt Lake City.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Billings, UT tap water safe to drink?

Billings's water quality earned a grade of B (75.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #87 out of 177 cities tested in Utah.

What contaminants are in Billings's water?

Lead was measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile). 22 violations are on record.

How is Billings'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 Billings?

While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Billings's water come from?

Billings's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 1,877 residents.

What health violations has Billings's water system had?

Billings has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.

Is Billings's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Billings 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 22 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 Billings's water compare to other cities?

Billings ranks #87 out of 177 cities in Utah (better than 51% of state cities) and #9510 out of 15744 cities nationally (40th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.