Is Black Eagle, MT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 13 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
75.2/100
waterverge.com Black Eagle, MT — Water Quality Report
Black Eagle's drinking water received a grade of B (75.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,783 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 45 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about Black Eagle's water
Black Eagle ranks #48 out of 115 cities in Montana for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Black Eagle may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Black Eagle, MT water safe to drink?
Black Eagle's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,783 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Black Eagle
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Black Eagle's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75.2/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3253). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-640). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Black Eagle's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Black Eagle's water system has 45 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Cascade County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1975. 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 Missouri River Near Ulm.
Where does Black Eagle's water come from?
Black Eagle's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,783 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Missouri River Near Ulm (river).
What Black Eagle residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Black Eagle'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.
Black Eagle'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Black Eagle
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Black Eagle, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
US DOD USAF MALMSTROM AFB MALMSTROM AFB, MT594027536 | — | — | 3.4 mi |
CHS GREAT FALLS FEED GREAT FALLS, MT59405 | — | — | 2.1 mi |
CALUMET MONTANA REFINING LLC. GREAT FALLS, MT59404 | — | — | 1.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Black Eagle
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- ACM SMELTER AND REFINERY0.6 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtCascade County is currently in D3 (extreme 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
Cascade County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1975. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Black Eagle compares by contaminant
Explore where Black Eagle ranks among all Montana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Black Eagle's water comes from
Black Eagle's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,783 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Black Eagle
Black Eagle is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Black Eagle
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BLACK EAGLE CASCADE COUNTY WATER SEWER | MT0000157 | 1,233 | SWP |
| HOMESTEAD ACRES COUNTY WATER AND SEWER | MT0000526 | 500 | GW |
| WINDY ACRES WUA | MT0002806 | 50 | GW |
How Black Eagle compares
Full Montana rankings →Black Eagle's score of 75.2/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Montana cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Montana rankings →About Black Eagle, MT
Wikipedia →Black Eagle is a census-designated place (CDP) in Cascade County, Montana, United States. The population was 904 at the 2010 census. It is a suburb of Great Falls.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Black Eagle's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cascade
Frequently asked questions
Is Black Eagle, MT tap water safe to drink?
Black Eagle's water quality earned a grade of B (75.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #48 out of 115 cities tested in Montana.
What contaminants are in Black Eagle's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 45 violations are on record.
How is Black Eagle'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 Black Eagle?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Black Eagle's water come from?
Black Eagle's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,783 residents.
What health violations has Black Eagle's water system had?
Black Eagle has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 13 violations remain unresolved.
How does Black Eagle's water compare to other cities?
Black Eagle ranks #48 out of 115 cities in Montana (better than 58% of state cities) and #9657 out of 15744 cities nationally (39th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.