Is Columbia Falls, MT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 121 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
45.5/100
waterverge.com Columbia Falls, MT — Water Quality Report
Columbia Falls's drinking water received a grade of D (45.5 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 14 water systems serve approximately 6,409 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. PFAS testing under UCMR 5 found no detectable forever chemicals.
The system has 449 violations on record, including 23 health-based violations. 121 remain unresolved.
What to know about Columbia Falls's water
Columbia Falls ranks #95 out of 115 cities in Montana for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Columbia Falls 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 61 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Columbia Falls, MT water safe to drink?
Columbia Falls's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (45.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 14 water systems serve approximately 6,409 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Columbia Falls
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Columbia Falls's water quality assessment. Grade: D (45.5/100).
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Contaminants: E. COLI, Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4655). 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 Columbia Falls's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Columbia Falls's water system has 449 total violations on record, including 23 health-based violations. 121 remain unresolved. 61 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Flathead County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 N F Flathead River Nr Columbia Falls, Flathead River At Columbia Falls, Whitefish River Near Kalispell.
Where does Columbia Falls's water come from?
Columbia Falls's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 14 water systems serving approximately 6,409 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include N F Flathead River Nr Columbia Falls (river), Flathead River At Columbia Falls (river), Whitefish River Near Kalispell (river).
What Columbia Falls residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Columbia Falls'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.
Columbia Falls'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 ↓Forever chemicals overview
National PFAS report →Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Columbia Falls
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Columbia Falls, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
WEYERHAEUSER NR COLUMBIA FALLS, MT59912 | — | — | 0.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Columbia Falls
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.
- ANACONDA ALUMINUM CO COLUMBIA FALLS REDUCTION PLANT2.9 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Flathead County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 |
| 11Cl-PF3OUdS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 4:2 FTS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 6:2 FTS 6:2 FTSPFAS A fluorotelomer sulfonate commonly found at sites contaminated with aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used in firefighting. Health EffectsPotential liver toxicity and endocrine disruption. Less studied but identified as a contaminant of concern. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesFirefighting foam (AFFF), airports, military bases, and industrial facilities. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 8:2 FTS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 9Cl-PF3ONS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| ADONA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| HFPO-DA HFPO-DA (GenX)PFAS A replacement for PFOA in manufacturing, marketed as safer but still a persistent "forever chemical." Also known as GenX. Health EffectsLiver and kidney effects, reproductive toxicity, immune system effects, and potential cancer risk. EPA Limit10 ppt MCL Common SourcesFluoropolymer manufacturing (used as PFOA replacement), industrial wastewater discharge. | ND | 0.01 | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| lithium LithiumInorganic A naturally occurring alkali metal found in groundwater. Monitored under UCMR 5 to assess occurrence in drinking water. Health EffectsKidney effects at high doses. Low-level exposure effects under study; some research suggests neurological effects. EPA LimitNo MCL (monitoring only under UCMR 5) Common SourcesNatural mineral deposits, geothermal water, and industrial discharge. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| NEtFOSAA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| NFDHA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| NMeFOSAA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFBA PFBAPFAS One of the shortest-chain PFAS compounds. Very mobile in water and difficult to remove with standard filtration. Health EffectsThyroid effects, potential developmental toxicity. Shorter half-life in body than long-chain PFAS. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesDegradation of longer-chain PFAS, industrial discharge, and firefighting foam. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFBS PFBSPFAS A short-chain PFAS used as a replacement for PFOS. While it clears the body faster than long-chain PFAS, it still persists in the environment. Health EffectsThyroid effects, reproductive and developmental toxicity, kidney effects. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesIndustrial discharge, firefighting foam, and as a replacement chemical in manufacturing. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFDA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFDoA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFEESA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHpA PFHpAPFAS A medium-chain PFAS compound found in various environmental samples. Less studied than PFOA/PFOS but still considered a contaminant of concern. Health EffectsLiver effects, potential developmental toxicity, and endocrine disruption. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesDegradation of longer-chain PFAS, industrial discharge, and contaminated water sources. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHpS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHxA PFHxAPFAS A short-chain PFAS replacement chemical widely used after manufacturers phased out longer-chain PFAS. Very commonly detected in water. Health EffectsLiver and kidney effects, potential thyroid disruption. Considered less toxic than long-chain PFAS but still persistent. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesIndustrial processes, firefighting foam (AFFF), food packaging, and textile treatment. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHxS PFHxSPFAS A medium-chain PFAS found in firefighting foam and consumer products. It has a long half-life in the human body, similar to long-chain PFAS. Health EffectsImmune system effects, thyroid disruption, and potential reproductive and developmental harm. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesFirefighting foam (AFFF), waterproof textiles, food packaging, and industrial discharge. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFMBA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFMPA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFNA PFNAPFAS A long-chain PFAS compound used in manufacturing fluoropolymers. It bioaccumulates in the body and is very persistent in the environment. Health EffectsDevelopmental effects, liver toxicity, immune suppression, and potential cancer risk. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesFluoropolymer manufacturing, industrial emissions, and contaminated water sources. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFOA PFOAPFAS A long-chain PFAS ("forever chemical") once widely used in nonstick coatings and firefighting foam. It persists in the body and environment for years. Health EffectsLinked to kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease, elevated cholesterol, and reproductive issues. EPA Limit4.0 ppt MCL Common SourcesIndustrial discharge, firefighting foam (AFFF), nonstick cookware manufacturing, and contaminated groundwater. | ND | 0.004 | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFOS PFOSPFAS A long-chain PFAS compound historically used in stain-resistant coatings and firefighting foam. One of the most studied and persistent PFAS chemicals. Health EffectsLiver damage, immune system suppression, thyroid disruption, increased cholesterol, and potential cancer risk. EPA Limit4.0 ppt MCL Common SourcesFirefighting foam (AFFF), industrial sites, stain-resistant fabric treatments, and contaminated groundwater. | ND | 0.004 | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFPeA PFPeAPFAS A short-chain PFAS compound commonly detected in drinking water. One of the most frequently found PFAS in UCMR 5 monitoring. Health EffectsLess studied than PFOA/PFOS. Potential liver and thyroid effects. Research is ongoing. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesIndustrial discharge, firefighting foam degradation, and consumer products. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFPeS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFTA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFTrDA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFUnA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Columbia Falls compares by contaminant
Explore where Columbia Falls ranks among all Montana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Columbia Falls's water comes from
Columbia Falls'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 6,409 people through 14 water systems.
Water bodies near Columbia Falls
Columbia Falls is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Columbia Falls
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| COLUMBIA FALLS CITY OF | MT0000181 | 4,450 | GW |
| MEADOW LAKE CO WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT | MT0000914 | 950 | GW |
| KOKANEE BEND HOA | MT0002997 | 230 | GW |
| FLATHEAD COUNTY WATER DIST 101 | MT0000184 | 210 | GW |
| COUNTRY ESTATES MBLE HOME PARK | MT0001892 | 125 | GW |
| RIVERSIDE MOBILE HOME PARK | MT0000108 | 100 | GW |
| HIDEAWAY TR PK COLUMBIA FALLS | MT0001737 | 75 | GW |
| HALFMOON MOBILE HOME PARK INC | MT0003531 | 60 | GW |
| PRAIRIE FALCON ACRES | MT0004483 | 41 | GW |
| EAST WOOD VILLAGE TRAILER PARK | MT0002814 | 36 | GW |
| BIG SKY MOBILE MANOR | MT0002493 | 35 | GWP |
| ELK PARK VILLAGE | MT0002856 | 35 | GW |
| RIVER BLUFF HOA WHITEFISH | MT0003652 | 32 | GW |
| TIMBER RIDGE HOA | MT0004939 | 30 | GW |
How Columbia Falls compares
Full Montana rankings →Columbia Falls's score of 45.5/100 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 Columbia Falls, MT
Wikipedia →Columbia Falls is a city along the Flathead River in Flathead County, Montana, United States. The population was 5,308 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Columbia Falls's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Flathead
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbia Falls, MT tap water safe to drink?
Columbia Falls's water quality earned a grade of D (45.5/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #95 out of 115 cities tested in Montana.
What contaminants are in Columbia Falls's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). No PFAS compounds were detected. 449 violations are on record.
How is Columbia Falls'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 Columbia Falls?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Columbia Falls's water come from?
Columbia Falls's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 14 water systems serving approximately 6,409 residents.
What health violations has Columbia Falls's water system had?
Columbia Falls has 23 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 121 violations remain unresolved.
Is Columbia Falls's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Columbia Falls 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 449 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 Columbia Falls's water compare to other cities?
Columbia Falls ranks #95 out of 115 cities in Montana (better than 17% of state cities) and #14145 out of 15744 cities nationally (10th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.