Is Huntley, MT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
83.2/100
waterverge.com Huntley, MT — Water Quality Report
Huntley's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 705 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 75 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved.
What to know about Huntley's water
Huntley ranks #26 out of 115 cities in Montana for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Huntley 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, Huntley may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Huntley, MT water safe to drink?
Huntley's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 705 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Huntley
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Huntley's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.2/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4655). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Asbestos.
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 Huntley'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
Huntley's water system has 75 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Yellowstone County has experienced 3 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.
Where does Huntley's water come from?
Huntley's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 705 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Huntley residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Huntley'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.
Huntley'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 Huntley
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Huntley, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 6,227 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PAR MONTANA BILLINGS REFINERY BILLINGS, MT59101 | Ammonia | 6,227 | 8.7 mi |
KNIFE RIVER BILLINGS EAST SITE BILLINGS, MT59105 | — | — | 6.9 mi |
MONTANA SULPHUR & CHEMICAL CO BILLINGS, MT59101 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtYellowstone 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
Yellowstone County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1978. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Huntley'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. | 2.0 | 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. | 1.56 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.560 mg/L (2016)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Huntley compares by contaminant
Explore where Huntley ranks among all Montana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Huntley's water comes from
Huntley'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 705 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Huntley
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRYOR CREEK WATER ASSN | MT0002956 | 475 | GW |
| HUNTLEY YELLOWSTONE CO WATER AND SEWER | MT0000254 | 230 | GW |
How Huntley compares
Full Montana rankings →Huntley's score of 83.2/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Montana cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Montana rankings →About Huntley, MT
Wikipedia →Huntley is a census-designated place (CDP) in Yellowstone County, Montana, United States. The population was 411 at the 2000 census. Huntley lent its name to the Huntley Project, a federal irrigation project that began delivering water to the arid district in 1907. Today, Huntley is an eastern suburb of Billings and is located east of Shepherd and west of Worden.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Huntley's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Yellowstone
Frequently asked questions
Is Huntley, MT tap water safe to drink?
Huntley's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #26 out of 115 cities tested in Montana.
What contaminants are in Huntley's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 75 violations are on record.
How is Huntley'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 Huntley?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Huntley's water come from?
Huntley's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 705 residents.
What health violations has Huntley's water system had?
Huntley has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 14 violations remain unresolved.
Is Huntley's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Huntley 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 75 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 Huntley's water compare to other cities?
Huntley ranks #26 out of 115 cities in Montana (better than 77% of state cities) and #6566 out of 15744 cities nationally (58th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.