Is East Helena, MT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 98 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com East Helena, MT — Water Quality Report
East Helena's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 10 water systems serve approximately 2,907 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 941 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 98 remain unresolved.
What to know about East Helena's water
East Helena ranks #78 out of 115 cities in Montana for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
East Helena 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, East Helena may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 53 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is East Helena, MT water safe to drink?
East Helena's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 10 water systems serve approximately 2,907 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for East Helena
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into East Helena's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate-Nitrite.
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 East Helena's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
East Helena's water system has 941 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 98 remain unresolved. 53 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lewis and Clark County has experienced 4 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 Prickly Pear Creek Near Clancy.
Where does East Helena's water come from?
East Helena's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 10 water systems serving approximately 2,907 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Prickly Pear Creek Near Clancy (river).
What East Helena residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in East Helena'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.
East Helena'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 East Helena
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near East Helena, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ASH GROVE CEMENT CO MONTANA CITY PLANT CLANCY, MT59634 | Lead compounds | 0 | 3.2 mi |
FORTERRA CONCRETE PRODUCTS - HELENA HELENA, MT59601 | — | — | 5.9 mi |
MARKS-MILLER POST & POLE INC CLANCY, MT59634 | — | — | 7.9 mi |
AMERICAN CHEMET CORP EAST HELENA, MT59635 | — | — | 0.5 mi |
US ARMY NATIONAL GUARD FORT HARRISON RANGES FORT HARRISON, MT59636 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of East Helena
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.
- EAST HELENA SITE0.0 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtLewis and Clark 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
Lewis and Clark County has experienced 4 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 East Helena compares by contaminant
Explore where East Helena ranks among all Montana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where East Helena's water comes from
East Helena'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 private ownership and serves approximately 2,907 people through 10 water systems.
Water bodies near East Helena
East Helena is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving East Helena
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EASTGATE VILLAGE SEWER AND WATER | MT0001784 | 2,000 | GW |
| PELE PARK | MT0000593 | 186 | GW |
| DAVIS MEADOW VILLAGE | MT0003990 | 180 | GW |
| MOUNTAIN HERITAGE WATER SYSTEM | MT0002873 | 175 | GW |
| BUZZ INN | MT0000592 | 95 | GW |
| MCDONALD TRAILER CT | MT0000402 | 75 | GW |
| DAKOTA VALLEY MOBILE HOME PARK | MT0004562 | 75 | GW |
| SUNNYBROOK ACRES HOA | MT0002482 | 50 | GW |
| PHOENIX PARK | MT0000594 | 36 | GW |
| BAHNY BRAE SUBDIVISION | MT0003196 | 35 | GW |
How East Helena compares
Full Montana rankings →East Helena's score of 50/100 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 East Helena, MT
Wikipedia →East Helena is a city in Lewis and Clark County, Montana, United States, approximately 5 miles (8 km) east of downtown Helena. The population was 1,944 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Helena Micropolitan Statistical Area, which includes all of Lewis and Clark and Jefferson counties; its population is 83,058 according to the 2020 Census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to East Helena's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lewis And Clark
Frequently asked questions
Is East Helena, MT tap water safe to drink?
East Helena's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #78 out of 115 cities tested in Montana.
What contaminants are in East Helena's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 941 violations are on record.
How is East Helena'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 East Helena?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does East Helena's water come from?
East Helena's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 10 water systems serving approximately 2,907 residents.
What health violations has East Helena's water system had?
East Helena has 9 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. 98 violations remain unresolved.
Is East Helena's groundwater at risk of contamination?
East Helena 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 941 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 East Helena's water compare to other cities?
East Helena ranks #78 out of 115 cities in Montana (better than 32% of state cities) and #13092 out of 15744 cities nationally (17th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.