Is Fort Peck, MT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Fort Peck ranks. What to do next ↓
74.1/100
waterverge.com Fort Peck, MT — Water Quality Report
Fort Peck's drinking water received a grade of B- (74.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 903 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 61 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Fort Peck's water
Fort Peck ranks #50 out of 115 cities in Montana for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Fort Peck may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 23 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fort Peck, MT water safe to drink?
Fort Peck's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B- (74.1/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 903 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Fort Peck
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fort Peck's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (74.1/100).
Contaminants: 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene, Styrene.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4745). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4726). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Fort Peck's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Fort Peck's water system has 61 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved. 23 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Valley County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1986. 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 Milk River At Nashua.
Where does Fort Peck's water come from?
Fort Peck's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 903 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Milk River At Nashua (river).
What Fort Peck residents can do
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.
Fort Peck'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
D1 — moderate droughtValley County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Valley County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1986. 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Fort Peck compares by contaminant
Explore where Fort Peck ranks among all Montana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fort Peck's water comes from
Fort Peck'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 903 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Fort Peck
Fort Peck is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Fort Peck
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FORT PECK RURAL COUNTY WATER DISTRICT | MT0004177 | 663 | SWP |
| FORT PECK TOWN OF | MT0000218 | 240 | SW |
How Fort Peck compares
Full Montana rankings →Fort Peck's score of 74.1/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Montana cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Montana rankings →About Fort Peck, MT
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fort Peck's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Valley
Frequently asked questions
Is Fort Peck, MT tap water safe to drink?
Fort Peck's water quality earned a grade of B- (74.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #50 out of 115 cities tested in Montana.
What contaminants are in Fort Peck's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 61 violations are on record.
How is Fort Peck'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 Fort Peck?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fort Peck's water come from?
Fort Peck's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 903 residents.
What health violations has Fort Peck's water system had?
Fort Peck has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
How does Fort Peck's water compare to other cities?
Fort Peck ranks #50 out of 115 cities in Montana (better than 57% of state cities) and #9937 out of 15744 cities nationally (37th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.