Is Frenchtown, MT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
66.5/100
waterverge.com Frenchtown, MT — Water Quality Report
Frenchtown's drinking water received a grade of C+ (66.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 8 water systems serve approximately 2,130 residents using groundwater.
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 303 violations on record, including 28 health-based violations. 30 remain unresolved.
What to know about Frenchtown's water
Frenchtown ranks #60 out of 115 cities in Montana for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Frenchtown 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, Frenchtown may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Frenchtown, MT water safe to drink?
Frenchtown's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (66.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 8 water systems serve approximately 2,130 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Frenchtown
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Frenchtown's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (66.5/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform 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 Frenchtown'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
Frenchtown's water system has 303 total violations on record, including 28 health-based violations. 30 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Missoula County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Above Missoula, Bitterroot River Near Missoula, Clark Fork Below Missoula.
Where does Frenchtown's water come from?
Frenchtown's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 8 water systems serving approximately 2,130 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 Above Missoula (river), Bitterroot River Near Missoula (river), Clark Fork Below Missoula (river).
What Frenchtown residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Frenchtown'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.
Frenchtown'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
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Frenchtown
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.
- SMURFIT STONE MILL FRENCHTOWN4.9 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Missoula County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1974. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Frenchtown'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. | 1.0 | 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. | 1.50 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Frenchtown compares by contaminant
Explore where Frenchtown ranks among all Montana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Frenchtown's water comes from
Frenchtown'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 2,130 people through 8 water systems.
Water bodies near Frenchtown
Frenchtown is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Frenchtown
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EL MAR ESTATES MSLA CO WATER | MT0000517 | 1,350 | GW |
| SORREL SPRINGS HOA | MT0000518 | 250 | GW |
| ELK MEADOWS RANCHETTES | MT0000632 | 175 | GW |
| MEADOW BROOK PARK | MT0004530 | 120 | GW |
| KING RANCH SUBDIVISION | MT0004158 | 70 | GW |
| GLESSNER TRAILER COURT | MT0000405 | 67 | GW |
| FRENCHTOWN VALLEY VIEW TR CT | MT0000404 | 50 | GW |
| GRINELL ESTATES HOA | MT0003261 | 48 | GW |
How Frenchtown compares
Full Montana rankings →Frenchtown's score of 66.5/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Montana cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Montana rankings →About Frenchtown, MT
Wikipedia →Missoula is a city in and the county seat of Missoula County, Montana, United States. It is located along the Clark Fork River near its confluence with the Bitterroot and Blackfoot rivers in western Montana and at the convergence of five mountain ranges, and thus it is often described as the "hub of five valleys". It is the second-most populous city in Montana with a population of 73,489 at the 2020 census and estimated at 78,204 in 2024, while the Missoula metropolitan area has an estimated 128,000 residents. Missoula is home to the University of Montana, a public research university.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Frenchtown's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Missoula
Frequently asked questions
Is Frenchtown, MT tap water safe to drink?
Frenchtown's water quality earned a grade of C+ (66.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #60 out of 115 cities tested in Montana.
What contaminants are in Frenchtown's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 303 violations are on record.
How is Frenchtown'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 Frenchtown?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Frenchtown's water come from?
Frenchtown's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 8 water systems serving approximately 2,130 residents.
What health violations has Frenchtown's water system had?
Frenchtown has 28 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 30 violations remain unresolved.
Is Frenchtown's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Frenchtown 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 303 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 Frenchtown's water compare to other cities?
Frenchtown ranks #60 out of 115 cities in Montana (better than 48% of state cities) and #11367 out of 15744 cities nationally (28th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.