Is Crow Agency, MT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 43 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
49/100
waterverge.com Crow Agency, MT — Water Quality Report
Crow Agency's drinking water received a grade of D (49 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,967 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 621 violations on record, including 43 health-based violations. 43 remain unresolved.
What to know about Crow Agency's water
Crow Agency ranks #85 out of 115 cities in Montana for water quality, placing it below average 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.
As a small community water system, Crow Agency may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 170 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Crow Agency, MT water safe to drink?
Crow Agency's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (49/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,967 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Crow Agency
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Crow Agency's water quality assessment. Grade: D (49/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3253). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-558). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Crow Agency's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Crow Agency's water system has 621 total violations on record, including 43 health-based violations. 43 remain unresolved. 170 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Big Horn County has experienced 2 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. Local water sources include Little Bighorn River Nr Crow Agency, Agency Canal Tailwaste Near Hardin, Little Bighorn River Near Hardin.
Where does Crow Agency's water come from?
Crow Agency's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,967 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Little Bighorn River Nr Crow Agency (river), Agency Canal Tailwaste Near Hardin (stream), Little Bighorn River Near Hardin (river).
What Crow Agency residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Crow Agency'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.
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
Big Horn County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1978. 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 |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Crow Agency compares by contaminant
Explore where Crow Agency ranks among all Montana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Crow Agency's water comes from
Crow Agency'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 federal ownership and serves approximately 1,967 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Crow Agency
Crow Agency is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Crow Agency
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CROW AGENCY WATER SYSTEM | 083090011 | 1,300 | SW |
| PRYOR WATER SYSTEM | 083090012 | 406 | GW |
| WYOLA WATER SYSTEM | 083090014 | 261 | GW |
How Crow Agency compares
Full Montana rankings →Crow Agency's score of 49/100 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 →ZIP codes served by Crow Agency
The water systems serving Crow Agency cover 1 ZIP code. Select any ZIP to see which water systems serve that area.
About Crow Agency, MT
Wikipedia →Crow Agency is a census-designated place (CDP) in Big Horn County, Montana, United States and is near the actual location for the Little Bighorn National Monument and re-enactment produced by the Real Bird family known as Battle of the Little Bighorn Reenactment. The population was 1,616 at the 2010 census. It is the governmental headquarters of the Crow Nation Native Americans. It is also the location of the "agency offices" where the federal Superintendent of the Crow Indian Reservation and his staff interacts with the Crow Tribe, pursuant to federal treaties and statutes.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Crow Agency's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Crow Agency, MT tap water safe to drink?
Crow Agency's water quality earned a grade of D (49/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #85 out of 115 cities tested in Montana.
What contaminants are in Crow Agency's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 621 violations are on record.
How is Crow Agency'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 Crow Agency?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Crow Agency's water come from?
Crow Agency's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,967 residents.
What health violations has Crow Agency's water system had?
Crow Agency has 43 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. 43 violations remain unresolved.
How does Crow Agency's water compare to other cities?
Crow Agency ranks #85 out of 115 cities in Montana (better than 26% of state cities) and #13349 out of 15744 cities nationally (15th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.