WaterVerge

Is Montgomery, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B+, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

3K residents served 1 water system PWSID: MN1400012
Overall Score
84.6 / 100
Violations
1 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#366 of 466 in Minnesota Top 37% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
84.6/100
waterverge.com
B+ 84.6/100

Montgomery, MN — Water Quality Report

Montgomery's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,379 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 10.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.

The system has 4 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Montgomery's water

Montgomery ranks #366 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.

Montgomery 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.

While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
84.6 out of 100 Grade B+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
44.6/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
13/20
C
Lead at 10.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Montgomery, MN water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Montgomery's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (84.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,379 residents using groundwater (wells).

1
Active Violations
10.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Montgomery

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Montgomery's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.6/100).

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4797). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE WINTER STORM, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4442). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Chlorine.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Montgomery's water supply.

Lead Elevated
Detected: 10.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.

Violation history

Montgomery's water system has 4 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.

MR
Most recent violations:
Aug 2010 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Jul 2010 Chlorine Resolved
Sep 1992 Coliform (TCR) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Le Sueur County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.

SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4797
SEVERE WINTER STORM, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4442
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4290

Where does Montgomery's water come from?

Montgomery's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,379 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.

What Montgomery residents can do

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Flush your taps

Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.

Monitor alerts during storms

Montgomery'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
10.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 67% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

4
Total violations
0
Health-based
1
Active / unresolved
Aug 2010
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

4 Total
1 Active
0 Health-based
3 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
2
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
1
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Aug 2010 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 2010
Jul 2010 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2010
Sep 1992 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1992
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Montgomery

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Montgomery, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
FIBERGLAS FABRICATORS INC
Electrical Equipment · NA
LE CENTER, MN56057
9.0 mi
MITEK USA INC.
Fabricated Metals · MITEK INDUSTRIES INC
MONTGOMERY, MN56069
0.2 mi
CHART INC.
Fabricated Metals · CHART INDUSTRIES INC
NEW PRAGUE, MN56071
7.3 mi
SCOTT EQUIPMENT CO
Fabricated Metals · SCOTT EQUIPMENT CO
NEW PRAGUE, MN56071
7.2 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Jun 2024
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Le Sueur County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Jun 2024
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4797
Jun 2019
SEVERE WINTER STORM, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4442
Nov 2016
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4290
Jul 2014
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4182
May 2011
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1982
Mar 2010
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #3310

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Montgomery's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🚰
For Lead
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53-Certified Pitcher
Lead detected at 10.0 ppb
Read our guide →

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 10.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level (90th percentile)

Latest reading: 10.0 ppb (2023)

EPA action level: 15 ppb

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
3,379
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Montgomery's water comes from

Groundwater

Montgomery'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 3,379 people through 1 water system.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Montgomery

System Name PWSID Population Source
Montgomery MN1400012 3,379 GW
Regional Comparison

How Montgomery compares

Full Minnesota rankings →

Montgomery's score of 84.6/100 is on par with the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.

Montgomery (this city)
84.6
St. Paul
73.3
Rochester
69.7
Minnesota avg
82
City Profile

About Montgomery, MN

Economic Profile
$61,677
Median Income
$206,583
Median Home Value
$1,044/mo
Median Rent
2.8%
Unemployment
Community
37.9
Median Age
511
People / sq mi
17.6%
College Educated
78%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Montgomery, MN tap water safe to drink?

Montgomery's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #366 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.

What contaminants are in Montgomery's water?

Lead was measured at 10.0 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.

How is Montgomery'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 Montgomery?

While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Montgomery's water come from?

Montgomery's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,379 residents.

Is Montgomery's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Montgomery 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 4 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 Montgomery's water compare to other cities?

Montgomery ranks #366 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 21% of state cities) and #5774 out of 15744 cities nationally (63th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.