Is Hungry Horse, 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 ↓
88.6/100
waterverge.com Hungry Horse, MT — Water Quality Report
Hungry Horse's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,135 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 29 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hungry Horse's water
Hungry Horse ranks #10 out of 115 cities in Montana for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Hungry Horse 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, Hungry Horse may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hungry Horse, MT water safe to drink?
Hungry Horse's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,135 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hungry Horse
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hungry Horse's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.6/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4655). 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 Hungry Horse's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Hungry Horse's water system has 29 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Flathead 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 N F Flathead River Nr Columbia Falls, M F Flathead River Near West Glacier, Hungry Horse Reservoir Nr Hungry Horse, S F Flathead River Nr Columbia Falls, Flathead River At Columbia Falls.
Where does Hungry Horse's water come from?
Hungry Horse's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,135 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include N F Flathead River Nr Columbia Falls (river), M F Flathead River Near West Glacier (river), Hungry Horse Reservoir Nr Hungry Horse (lake), S F Flathead River Nr Columbia Falls (river), Flathead River At Columbia Falls (river).
What Hungry Horse residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hungry Horse'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.
Hungry Horse'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Hungry Horse
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hungry Horse, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
WEYERHAEUSER NR COLUMBIA FALLS, MT59912 | — | — | 6.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Hungry Horse
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.
- ANACONDA ALUMINUM CO COLUMBIA FALLS REDUCTION PLANT3.3 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Flathead 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.
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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hungry Horse compares by contaminant
Explore where Hungry Horse ranks among all Montana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hungry Horse's water comes from
Hungry Horse'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 1,135 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Hungry Horse
Hungry Horse is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Hungry Horse
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HUNGRY HORSE CO WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT | MT0000253 | 1,135 | GW |
How Hungry Horse compares
Full Montana rankings →Hungry Horse's score of 88.6/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Montana cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Montana rankings →About Hungry Horse, MT
Wikipedia →Hungry Horse is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Flathead County, Montana, United States. The population was 828 at the 2020 census. The ZIP code for Hungry Horse is 59919.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hungry Horse's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Flathead
Frequently asked questions
Is Hungry Horse, MT tap water safe to drink?
Hungry Horse's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #10 out of 115 cities tested in Montana.
What contaminants are in Hungry Horse's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 29 violations are on record.
How is Hungry Horse'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 Hungry Horse?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hungry Horse's water come from?
Hungry Horse's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,135 residents.
What health violations has Hungry Horse's water system had?
Hungry Horse has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Hungry Horse's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hungry Horse 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 29 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 Hungry Horse's water compare to other cities?
Hungry Horse ranks #10 out of 115 cities in Montana (better than 91% of state cities) and #3365 out of 15744 cities nationally (79th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Hungry Horse's small water system affect quality?
Hungry Horse's system serves approximately 1,135 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 29 violations on record.