Is Montreal, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 22 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
74.7/100
waterverge.com Montreal, WI — Water Quality Report
Montreal's drinking water received a grade of B- (74.7 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 887 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 177 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 22 remain unresolved.
What to know about Montreal's water
Montreal ranks #325 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Montreal 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, Montreal may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Montreal, WI water safe to drink?
Montreal's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (74.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 887 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Montreal
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Montreal's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (74.7/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4402). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4383). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Montreal's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Montreal's water system has 177 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 22 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Iron County has experienced 7 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.
Where does Montreal's water come from?
Montreal's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 887 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Montreal residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Montreal'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.
Montreal'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 Montreal
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Montreal, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BURTON INDUSTRIES INC IRONWOOD, MI49938 | — | — | 5.2 mi |
WAUPACA FOUNDRY INC. PLANT 1 (IRONWOOD) IRONWOOD, MI49938 | — | — | 5.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Iron County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Montreal compares by contaminant
Explore where Montreal ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Montreal's water comes from
Montreal'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 887 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Montreal
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MONTREAL WATERWORKS | WI8260121 | 887 | GW |
How Montreal compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Montreal's score of 74.7/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Montreal, WI
Wikipedia →Montreal is a city in Iron County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 801 at the 2020 census. The neighborhood of Gile is part of the city; however, it still has its own post office and ZIP code: 54550. Like Gile, the former unincorporated community of Germania has also been annexed by the city.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Montreal's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Iron
Frequently asked questions
Is Montreal, WI tap water safe to drink?
Montreal's water quality earned a grade of B- (74.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #325 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Montreal's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 177 violations are on record.
How is Montreal'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 Montreal?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Montreal's water come from?
Montreal's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 887 residents.
What health violations has Montreal's water system had?
Montreal has 10 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. 22 violations remain unresolved.
Is Montreal's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Montreal 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 177 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 Montreal's water compare to other cities?
Montreal ranks #325 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 27% of state cities) and #9778 out of 15744 cities nationally (38th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Montreal's small water system affect quality?
Montreal's system serves approximately 887 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 177 violations on record.