Is Lolo, MT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 25 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
52/100
waterverge.com Lolo, MT — Water Quality Report
Lolo's drinking water received a grade of D+ (52 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 3,772 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 644 violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 25 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lolo's water
Lolo ranks #74 out of 115 cities in Montana for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Lolo 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 114 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lolo, MT water safe to drink?
Lolo's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (52/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 3,772 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lolo
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lolo's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (52/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate-Nitrite.
Contaminants: Nickel, Antimony, Total, Beryllium, Total.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4405). 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 Lolo's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Lolo's water system has 644 total violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 25 remain unresolved. 114 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Missoula 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 Bitterroot River Near Missoula, Clark Fork Below Missoula.
Where does Lolo's water come from?
Lolo's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 6 water systems serving approximately 3,772 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Bitterroot River Near Missoula (river), Clark Fork Below Missoula (river).
What Lolo residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lolo'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.
Lolo'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 Lolo
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lolo, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
HEXION INC. MISSOULA, MT59808 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
ROSEBURG FOREST PRODUCTS CO. - MISSOULA PARTICLEBOARD MISSOULA, MT59808 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
PHILLIPS 66 MISSOULA PRODUCTS TERMINAL MISSOULA, MT59808 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Missoula 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lolo compares by contaminant
Explore where Lolo ranks among all Montana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lolo's water comes from
Lolo'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 3,772 people through 6 water systems.
Water bodies near Lolo
Lolo is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Lolo
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOLO WATER AND SEWER DIST | MT0000278 | 3,315 | GW |
| SHELBY ADDITION WATER DISTRICT | MT0002800 | 145 | GW |
| BITTERROOT GATEWAY MB PK LOLO | MT0000443 | 130 | GW |
| VALLEY WEST TRAILER COURT | MT0000444 | 115 | GW |
| BRANCO COURT | MT0004568 | 37 | GW |
| VALLEY GROVE WATER USERS ASSOCIATION | MT0000490 | 30 | GW |
How Lolo compares
Full Montana rankings →Lolo's score of 52/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Montana cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Montana rankings →About Lolo, MT
Wikipedia →Lolo is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Missoula County, Montana, United States. It is part of the Missoula metropolitan area. The population was 4,399 at the 2020 census, an increase from its population of 3,892 in 2010. It is home to Travelers' Rest State Park, a site where Lewis and Clark camped in 1805 and again in 1806.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lolo's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Missoula
Frequently asked questions
Is Lolo, MT tap water safe to drink?
Lolo's water quality earned a grade of D+ (52/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #74 out of 115 cities tested in Montana.
What contaminants are in Lolo's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 644 violations are on record.
How is Lolo'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 Lolo?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lolo's water come from?
Lolo's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 6 water systems serving approximately 3,772 residents.
What health violations has Lolo's water system had?
Lolo has 14 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 25 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lolo's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lolo 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 644 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 Lolo's water compare to other cities?
Lolo ranks #74 out of 115 cities in Montana (better than 36% of state cities) and #12802 out of 15744 cities nationally (19th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.