Is Box Elder, MT 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 ↓
72.9/100
waterverge.com Box Elder, MT — Water Quality Report
Box Elder's drinking water received a grade of B- (72.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,842 residents using groundwater.
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 225 violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Box Elder's water
Box Elder ranks #53 out of 115 cities in Montana for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Box Elder 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.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Box Elder, MT water safe to drink?
Box Elder's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,842 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Box Elder
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Box Elder's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.9/100).
Contaminants: Nitrite.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Asbestos.
Contaminants: Asbestos.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4127). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Box Elder's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Box Elder's water system has 225 total violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Chouteau County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1986. 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 Boxelder Cr Bl Boneau Reservoir, Nr Rocky Boy, Boxelder Cr Bl Brown'S Res Div, Nr Box Elder, Boxelder Creek At Box Elder.
Where does Box Elder's water come from?
Box Elder's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 3,842 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Boxelder Cr Bl Boneau Reservoir, Nr Rocky Boy (river), Boxelder Cr Bl Brown'S Res Div, Nr Box Elder (river), Boxelder Creek At Box Elder (river).
What Box Elder residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Box Elder'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.
Box Elder'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
Flood & disaster history
Chouteau County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1986. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Box Elder's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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 |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.75 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Box Elder compares by contaminant
Explore where Box Elder ranks among all Montana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Box Elder's water comes from
Box Elder'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 native american ownership and serves approximately 3,842 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Box Elder
Box Elder is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Box Elder
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROCKY BOY'S RURAL WATER | 083090075 | 2,000 | GW |
| ROCKY BOY AGENCY WATER SYSTEM | 083090079 | 1,442 | GW |
| EAGLEMAN COMMUNITY WATER | 083090074 | 400 | GW |
How Box Elder compares
Full Montana rankings →Box Elder's score of 72.9/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Montana cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Montana rankings →ZIP codes served by Box Elder
The water systems serving Box Elder cover 1 ZIP code. Select any ZIP to see which water systems serve that area.
About Box Elder, MT
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Box Elder's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Box Elder, MT tap water safe to drink?
Box Elder's water quality earned a grade of B- (72.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #53 out of 115 cities tested in Montana.
What contaminants are in Box Elder's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 225 violations are on record.
How is Box Elder'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 Box Elder?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Box Elder's water come from?
Box Elder's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 3,842 residents.
What health violations has Box Elder's water system had?
Box Elder has 21 health-based violations 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. 10 violations remain unresolved.
Is Box Elder's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Box Elder 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 225 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 Box Elder's water compare to other cities?
Box Elder ranks #53 out of 115 cities in Montana (better than 54% of state cities) and #10203 out of 15744 cities nationally (35th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.