Is Glasgow, MT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 18 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
65/100
waterverge.com Glasgow, MT — Water Quality Report
Glasgow's drinking water received a grade of C+ (65 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,433 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 112 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved.
What to know about Glasgow's water
Glasgow ranks #64 out of 115 cities in Montana for water quality, placing it below average 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.
The system has seen 21 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Glasgow, MT water safe to drink?
Glasgow's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (65/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,433 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Glasgow
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Glasgow's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (65/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Glasgow's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Glasgow's water system has 112 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved. 21 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.
Where does Glasgow's water come from?
Glasgow's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,433 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Glasgow residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Glasgow'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.
Glasgow'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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Glasgow compares by contaminant
Explore where Glasgow ranks among all Montana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Glasgow's water comes from
Glasgow'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 3,433 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Glasgow
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GLASGOW CITY OF | MT0000415 | 3,253 | SW |
| CHERRY CREEK WUA GLASGOW | MT0000228 | 180 | GW |
How Glasgow compares
Full Montana rankings →Glasgow's score of 65/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Montana cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Montana rankings →About Glasgow, MT
Wikipedia →Glasgow is a city in and the county seat of Valley County, Montana, United States. The population was 3,202 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Glasgow's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Valley
Frequently asked questions
Is Glasgow, MT tap water safe to drink?
Glasgow's water quality earned a grade of C+ (65/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #64 out of 115 cities tested in Montana.
What contaminants are in Glasgow's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 112 violations are on record.
How is Glasgow'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 Glasgow?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Glasgow's water come from?
Glasgow's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,433 residents.
What health violations has Glasgow's water system had?
Glasgow has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 18 violations remain unresolved.
How does Glasgow's water compare to other cities?
Glasgow ranks #64 out of 115 cities in Montana (better than 44% of state cities) and #11588 out of 15744 cities nationally (26th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.