WaterVerge

Is Fromberg, MT Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded C, with 17 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

500 residents served 1 water system PWSID: MT0000222
Overall Score
63.6 / 100
Violations
17 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#65 of 115 in Montana Top 75% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
CGRADE
Water Quality Grade
63.6/100
waterverge.com
C 63.6/100

Fromberg, MT — Water Quality Report

Fromberg's drinking water received a grade of C (63.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 500 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 5.0 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 84 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Fromberg's water

Fromberg ranks #65 out of 115 cities in Montana for water quality, placing it below average in the state.

Fromberg 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, Fromberg may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

The system has seen 15 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
63.6 out of 100 Grade C
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
19.6/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
17/20
B
Lead at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Fromberg, MT water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Fromberg's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (63.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 500 residents using groundwater (wells).

17
Active Violations
5.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
5 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Fromberg

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fromberg's water quality assessment. Grade: C (63.6/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Disaster
FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4745). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORM AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4655). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Fromberg's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 5.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Fromberg's water system has 84 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved. 15 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MRMONOtherMCLTT
Most recent violations:
Oct 2025 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Aug 2025 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Jul 2025 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jun 2025 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Jan 2024 Nitrate-Nitrite Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Carbon County has experienced 5 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 Clarks Fork Yellowstone River At Edgar, White Horse Canal Near Silesia.

FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4745
SEVERE STORM AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4655
FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4405

Where does Fromberg's water come from?

Fromberg's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 500 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Clarks Fork Yellowstone River At Edgar (river), White Horse Canal Near Silesia (stream).

What Fromberg residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fromberg's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Flush your taps

Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.

Monitor alerts during storms

Fromberg'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
5.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 33% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

84
Total violations
5
Health-based
17
Active / unresolved
Oct 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

84 Total
17 Active
5 Health-based
67 Resolved
Violations by category
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
23
Volatile Organic Chemicals
21
Consumer Confidence Rule
12
Total Coliform Rule
6
Revised Total Coliform Rule
5
Oct 2025 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2023 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2022 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2022 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Mar 2022 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Jul 2021 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2018 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2017 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2015 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2014 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2013 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2011 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2006 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2005 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2004 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Aug 2025 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Aug 2025
Jun 2025 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Jun 2025
Jan 2024 Resolved
Nitrate-Nitrite
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Showing 20 of 84 violations
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Carbon 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.

5
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
34.4%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
5
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

5
Declared disasters
Oct 2023
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Carbon County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1978. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Oct 2023
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4745
Jun 2022
SEVERE STORM AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4655
Oct 2018
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4405
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3253
May 1978
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #558

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 5.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 0.0 ppb from 1993 (5.0 ppb) to 2019 (5.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
500
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Fromberg's water comes from

Groundwater

Fromberg'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 500 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Fromberg

Fromberg is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Clarks Fork Yellowstone River At Edgar
river
White Horse Canal Near Silesia
stream
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Fromberg

System Name PWSID Population Source
FROMBERG TOWN OF MT0000222 500 GW
Regional Comparison

How Fromberg compares

Full Montana rankings →

Fromberg's score of 63.6/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Montana cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Fromberg (this city)
63.6
Billings
39.6
Missoula
42.6
Bozeman
43.4
Helena
39.1
Montana avg
45
City Profile

About Fromberg, MT

Wikipedia →

Fromberg is a town in Carbon County, Montana, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the town was 392.

Economic Profile
$57,614
Median Income
$143,705
Median Home Value
$1,000/mo
Median Rent
17.2%
Unemployment
Community
45.9
Median Age
356
People / sq mi
19.9%
College Educated
84.3%
Homeownership
Share this reportHelp others learn about their water quality
WhatsAppXFacebookLinkedInEmail

Frequently asked questions

Is Fromberg, MT tap water safe to drink?

Fromberg's water quality earned a grade of C (63.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #65 out of 115 cities tested in Montana.

What contaminants are in Fromberg's water?

Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 84 violations are on record.

How is Fromberg'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 Fromberg?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Fromberg's water come from?

Fromberg's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 500 residents.

What health violations has Fromberg's water system had?

Fromberg has 5 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. 17 violations remain unresolved.

Is Fromberg's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Fromberg 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 84 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 Fromberg's water compare to other cities?

Fromberg ranks #65 out of 115 cities in Montana (better than 43% of state cities) and #11740 out of 15744 cities nationally (25th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Fromberg's small water system affect quality?

Fromberg's system serves approximately 500 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 84 violations on record.