Is Deer Lodge, MT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 13 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
47.5/100
waterverge.com Deer Lodge, MT — Water Quality Report
Deer Lodge's drinking water received a grade of D (47.5 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 5,000 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 162 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about Deer Lodge's water
Deer Lodge ranks #86 out of 115 cities in Montana for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Deer Lodge 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 99 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Deer Lodge, MT water safe to drink?
Deer Lodge's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (47.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 5,000 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Deer Lodge
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Deer Lodge's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47.5/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4405). 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 Deer Lodge's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Deer Lodge's water system has 162 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved. 99 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Powell 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. Local water sources include Clark Fork At Deer Lodge, Clark Fork Ab Little Blackfoot R Nr Garrison, Little Blackfoot River Near Garrison.
Where does Deer Lodge's water come from?
Deer Lodge's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 5,000 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Clark Fork At Deer Lodge (river), Clark Fork Ab Little Blackfoot R Nr Garrison (river), Little Blackfoot River Near Garrison (river).
What Deer Lodge residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Deer Lodge'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.
Deer Lodge'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
Flood & disaster history
Powell 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.
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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Deer Lodge compares by contaminant
Explore where Deer Lodge ranks among all Montana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Deer Lodge's water comes from
Deer Lodge'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 5,000 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Deer Lodge
Deer Lodge is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Deer Lodge
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEER LODGE CITY OF | MT0000197 | 2,900 | GW |
| MONTANA STATE PRISON | MT0000198 | 2,100 | GW |
How Deer Lodge compares
Full Montana rankings →Deer Lodge's score of 47.5/100 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 Deer Lodge, MT
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Deer Lodge's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Powell
Frequently asked questions
Is Deer Lodge, MT tap water safe to drink?
Deer Lodge's water quality earned a grade of D (47.5/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #86 out of 115 cities tested in Montana.
What contaminants are in Deer Lodge's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 162 violations are on record.
How is Deer Lodge'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 Deer Lodge?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Deer Lodge's water come from?
Deer Lodge's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 5,000 residents.
What health violations has Deer Lodge's water system had?
Deer Lodge has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 13 violations remain unresolved.
Is Deer Lodge's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Deer Lodge 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 162 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 Deer Lodge's water compare to other cities?
Deer Lodge ranks #86 out of 115 cities in Montana (better than 25% of state cities) and #13599 out of 15744 cities nationally (14th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.