Is Conrad, 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 ↓
45/100
waterverge.com Conrad, MT — Water Quality Report
Conrad's drinking water received a grade of D (45 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 3,616 residents using 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 240 violations on record, including 29 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved.
What to know about Conrad's water
Conrad ranks #96 out of 115 cities in Montana for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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.
The system has seen 34 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Conrad, MT water safe to drink?
Conrad's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (45/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 3,616 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Conrad
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Conrad's water quality assessment. Grade: D (45/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, 1,2-Dichloropropane, Xylenes, Total.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4388). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4172). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Conrad'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
Conrad's water system has 240 total violations on record, including 29 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved. 34 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Pondera County has experienced 5 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 Conrad's water come from?
Conrad's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 3,616 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Conrad residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Conrad'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.
Conrad'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 droughtPondera 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
Pondera County has experienced 5 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 Conrad'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. | 1.65 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.645 mg/L (2004)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Conrad compares by contaminant
Explore where Conrad ranks among all Montana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Conrad's water comes from
Conrad'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 3,616 people through 5 water systems.
Water systems serving Conrad
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CONRAD WATER DEPT | MT0000186 | 2,500 | SW |
| TIBER COUNTY WATER DISTRICT | MT0000400 | 750 | SW |
| NCMRWA PONDERA CO SERVICE AREA | MT0004834 | 144 | SWP |
| NEW MIAMI COLONY | MT0001914 | 130 | GW |
| MIDWAY COLONY INC | MT0004628 | 92 | GW |
How Conrad compares
Full Montana rankings →Conrad's score of 45/100 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 Conrad, MT
Wikipedia →Conrad is a city in and the county seat of Pondera County, Montana, United States. The population was 2,318 at the 2020 census. Each June, the Whoop Up Days, a town wide celebration that includes a parade and rodeo, takes place in Conrad.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Conrad's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pondera
Frequently asked questions
Is Conrad, MT tap water safe to drink?
Conrad's water quality earned a grade of D (45/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #96 out of 115 cities tested in Montana.
What contaminants are in Conrad's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 240 violations are on record.
How is Conrad'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 Conrad?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Conrad's water come from?
Conrad's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 3,616 residents.
What health violations has Conrad's water system had?
Conrad has 29 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. 24 violations remain unresolved.
How does Conrad's water compare to other cities?
Conrad ranks #96 out of 115 cities in Montana (better than 17% of state cities) and #14253 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.