Is Columbus, MT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Columbus, MT — Water Quality Report
Columbus's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 2,125 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 224 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved.
What to know about Columbus's water
Columbus ranks #93 out of 115 cities in Montana for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Columbus 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, Columbus may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 86 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Columbus, MT water safe to drink?
Columbus's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 2,125 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Columbus
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Columbus's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4745). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4655). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Columbus'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
Columbus's water system has 224 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved. 86 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Stillwater County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1978. 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 Columbus's water come from?
Columbus's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 2,125 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Columbus residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Columbus'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.
Columbus'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 Columbus
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Columbus, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MONTANA SILVERSMITHS COLUMBUS, MT59019 | — | — | 1.9 mi |
SMC PRECIOUS METALS SMELTER & BASE METALS REFINERY COLUMBUS, MT59019 | — | — | 1.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Columbus
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.
- MOUAT INDUSTRIES0.2 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtStillwater County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Stillwater County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1978. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Columbus'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. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Columbus compares by contaminant
Explore where Columbus ranks among all Montana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Columbus's water comes from
Columbus'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 2,125 people through 5 water systems.
Water systems serving Columbus
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| COLUMBUS TOWN OF | MT0000185 | 1,900 | GW |
| COUNTRY HAVEN ESTATES WHISPERING PINES | MT0004376 | 100 | GW |
| EAGLE MOUNTAIN RURAL PWS | MT0004461 | 50 | GW |
| HILLTOP WATER | MT0005205 | 50 | GWP |
| SHERWOOD WATER STATION | MT0004059 | 25 | GW |
How Columbus compares
Full Montana rankings →Columbus's score of 46/100 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 Columbus, MT
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Columbus's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Stillwater
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbus, MT tap water safe to drink?
Columbus's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #93 out of 115 cities tested in Montana.
What contaminants are in Columbus's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 224 violations are on record.
How is Columbus'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 Columbus?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Columbus's water come from?
Columbus's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 2,125 residents.
What health violations has Columbus's water system had?
Columbus has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 20 violations remain unresolved.
Is Columbus's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Columbus 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 224 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 Columbus's water compare to other cities?
Columbus ranks #93 out of 115 cities in Montana (better than 19% of state cities) and #14018 out of 15744 cities nationally (11th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.