Is Lame Deer, MT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
44/100
waterverge.com Lame Deer, MT — Water Quality Report
Lame Deer's drinking water received a grade of F (44 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 3,501 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.0 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 250 violations on record, including 54 health-based violations. 29 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lame Deer's water
Lame Deer ranks #99 out of 115 cities in Montana for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Lame Deer 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.
The system has seen 32 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lame Deer, MT water safe to drink?
Lame Deer's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (44/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 3,501 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lame Deer
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lame Deer's water quality assessment. Grade: F (44/100).
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Contaminants: Nitrate-Nitrite.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4172). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4127). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lame Deer'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
Lame Deer's water system has 250 total violations on record, including 54 health-based violations. 29 remain unresolved. 32 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Rosebud County has experienced 5 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. Local water sources include Rosebud C Bel Lame Deer C Nr Lame Deer.
Where does Lame Deer's water come from?
Lame Deer's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 3,501 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Rosebud C Bel Lame Deer C Nr Lame Deer (river).
What Lame Deer residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lame Deer'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Lame Deer'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
Flood & disaster history
Rosebud County has experienced 5 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 Lame Deer'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. | 5.0 | 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. | 1.65 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.650 mg/L (2001)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Lame Deer compares by contaminant
Explore where Lame Deer ranks among all Montana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lame Deer's water comes from
Lame Deer'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 native american ownership and serves approximately 3,501 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Lame Deer
Lame Deer is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Lame Deer
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAME DEER WATER SYSTEM | 083090064 | 2,605 | GW |
| BUSBY COMMUNITY WATER SYSTEM | 083090063 | 535 | GW |
| ASHLAND COMMUNITY WATER SYSTEM | 083090061 | 265 | GW |
| BIRNEY VILLAGE | 083090062 | 96 | GW |
How Lame Deer compares
Full Montana rankings →Lame Deer's score of 44/100 is on par with the average of 45/100 among major Montana cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Montana rankings →ZIP codes served by Lame Deer
The water systems serving Lame Deer cover 1 ZIP code. Select any ZIP to see which water systems serve that area.
About Lame Deer, MT
Wikipedia →Lame Deer is a census-designated place (CDP) in Rosebud County, Montana, United States. The community is named after Miniconjou Lakota chief Lame Deer, who was killed by the U.S. Army in 1877 under a flag of truce south of the town. It was the site of a trading post from the late 1870s.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lame Deer's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lame Deer, MT tap water safe to drink?
Lame Deer's water quality earned a grade of F (44/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #99 out of 115 cities tested in Montana.
What contaminants are in Lame Deer's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 250 violations are on record.
How is Lame Deer'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 Lame Deer?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lame Deer's water come from?
Lame Deer's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 3,501 residents.
What health violations has Lame Deer's water system had?
Lame Deer has 54 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 29 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lame Deer's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lame Deer 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 250 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 Lame Deer's water compare to other cities?
Lame Deer ranks #99 out of 115 cities in Montana (better than 14% of state cities) and #14470 out of 15744 cities nationally (8th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.