Is Choteau, 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 ↓
73.9/100
waterverge.com Choteau, MT — Water Quality Report
Choteau's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,935 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.0 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 157 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved.
What to know about Choteau's water
Choteau ranks #51 out of 115 cities in Montana for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Choteau 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, Choteau may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Choteau, MT water safe to drink?
Choteau's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,935 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Choteau
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Choteau's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.9/100).
Contaminants: Nitrate-Nitrite.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3253). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-761). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Choteau'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
Choteau's water system has 157 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Teton 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.
Where does Choteau's water come from?
Choteau's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,935 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Choteau residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Choteau'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Choteau'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
D3 — extreme droughtTeton 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
Teton 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Choteau'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. | 4.0 | 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. | 1.77 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.770 mg/L (2011)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Choteau compares by contaminant
Explore where Choteau ranks among all Montana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Choteau's water comes from
Choteau'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 1,935 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Choteau
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHOTEAU CITY OF | MT0000175 | 1,691 | GW |
| NEW ROCKPORT COLONY INC | MT0001776 | 160 | GW |
| MILLER COLONY | MT0001649 | 84 | GW |
How Choteau compares
Full Montana rankings →Choteau's score of 73.9/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Montana cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Montana rankings →About Choteau, MT
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Choteau's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Teton
Frequently asked questions
Is Choteau, MT tap water safe to drink?
Choteau's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #51 out of 115 cities tested in Montana.
What contaminants are in Choteau's water?
Lead was measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile). 157 violations are on record.
How is Choteau'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 Choteau?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Choteau's water come from?
Choteau's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,935 residents.
What health violations has Choteau's water system had?
Choteau has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 23 violations remain unresolved.
Is Choteau's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Choteau 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 157 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 Choteau's water compare to other cities?
Choteau ranks #51 out of 115 cities in Montana (better than 56% of state cities) and #9986 out of 15744 cities nationally (37th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.