Is Gardiner, MT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90.4/100
waterverge.com Gardiner, MT — Water Quality Report
Gardiner's drinking water received a grade of A (90.4 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 700 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 55 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Gardiner's water
Gardiner ranks #5 out of 115 cities in Montana for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Gardiner 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, Gardiner may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Gardiner, MT water safe to drink?
Gardiner's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (90.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 700 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Gardiner
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gardiner's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.4/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4726). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4655). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Arsenic.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Gardiner's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Gardiner's water system has 55 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Park County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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 Boiling River At Mammoth,Ynp, Gardner River Near Mammoth, Ynp, Yellowstone River At Corwin Springs.
Where does Gardiner's water come from?
Gardiner's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 700 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Boiling River At Mammoth,Ynp (river), Gardner River Near Mammoth, Ynp (river), Yellowstone River At Corwin Springs (river).
What Gardiner residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Gardiner'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.
Gardiner'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
D2 — severe droughtPark 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
Park County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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 Gardiner compares by contaminant
Explore where Gardiner ranks among all Montana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Gardiner's water comes from
Gardiner'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 700 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Gardiner
Gardiner is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Gardiner
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GARDINER PARK CO WATER DIST | MT0000224 | 700 | GW |
How Gardiner compares
Full Montana rankings →Gardiner's score of 90.4/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Montana cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Montana rankings →About Gardiner, MT
Wikipedia →Gardiner is a census-designated place (CDP) in Park County, Montana, United States, along the 45th parallel. As of the 2020 census, the population of the community and nearby areas was 833.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Gardiner's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Park
Frequently asked questions
Is Gardiner, MT tap water safe to drink?
Gardiner's water quality earned a grade of A (90.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #5 out of 115 cities tested in Montana.
What contaminants are in Gardiner's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 55 violations are on record.
How is Gardiner'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 Gardiner?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Gardiner's water come from?
Gardiner's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 700 residents.
Is Gardiner's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Gardiner 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 55 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 Gardiner's water compare to other cities?
Gardiner ranks #5 out of 115 cities in Montana (better than 96% of state cities) and #2262 out of 15744 cities nationally (86th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Gardiner's small water system affect quality?
Gardiner's system serves approximately 700 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 55 violations on record.