Is Lakeside, MT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 21 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82.9/100
waterverge.com Lakeside, MT — Water Quality Report
Lakeside's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 9 water systems serve approximately 2,185 residents using groundwater.
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 72 violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lakeside's water
Lakeside ranks #27 out of 115 cities in Montana for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Lakeside 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, Lakeside may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lakeside, MT water safe to drink?
Lakeside's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 9 water systems serve approximately 2,185 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lakeside
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lakeside's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.9/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Arsenic.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4655). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Lakeside's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Lakeside's water system has 72 total violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved. 2 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 Flathead River At Foys Bend Nr Kalispell.
Where does Lakeside's water come from?
Lakeside's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 9 water systems serving approximately 2,185 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Flathead River At Foys Bend Nr Kalispell (river).
What Lakeside residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lakeside'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.
Lakeside'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 Lakeside
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lakeside, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CITYSERVICEVALCON LLC SOUTH PLANT BULK FACILITY KALISPELL, MT59901 | — | — | 8.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lakeside compares by contaminant
Explore where Lakeside ranks among all Montana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lakeside's water comes from
Lakeside'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 2,185 people through 9 water systems.
Water bodies near Lakeside
Lakeside is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Lakeside
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAKESIDE WATER SYSTEM | MT0000266 | 1,225 | GW |
| CHERRY VIEW | MT0004856 | 352 | GW |
| TAMARACK WOODS HOA LAKESIDE | MT0003393 | 180 | GW |
| YOUTH WITH A MISSION | MT0003262 | 150 | GW |
| LAKEVIEW PARK ESTATES HOMEOWNERS ASSOC | MT0000073 | 92 | GW |
| PLEASANT GROVE MANUFACTURED HOME SITES | MT0005211 | 70 | GWP |
| CHAUTAUQUA TERRACE HOA | MT0003141 | 55 | GW |
| HILLSIDE HOMES | MT0000074 | 35 | GW |
| JUNIPER BAY VILLAS | MT0004576 | 26 | GW |
How Lakeside compares
Full Montana rankings →Lakeside's score of 82.9/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Montana cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Montana rankings →About Lakeside, MT
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lakeside's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Flathead
Frequently asked questions
Is Lakeside, MT tap water safe to drink?
Lakeside's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #27 out of 115 cities tested in Montana.
What contaminants are in Lakeside's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 72 violations are on record.
How is Lakeside'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 Lakeside?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lakeside's water come from?
Lakeside's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 9 water systems serving approximately 2,185 residents.
What health violations has Lakeside's water system had?
Lakeside has 20 health-based violations 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. 21 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lakeside's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lakeside 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 72 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 Lakeside's water compare to other cities?
Lakeside ranks #27 out of 115 cities in Montana (better than 77% of state cities) and #6695 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.