Is Pablo, MT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F, with 32 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
43/100
waterverge.com Pablo, MT — Water Quality Report
Pablo's drinking water received a grade of F (43 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 19 water systems serve approximately 4,263 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 542 violations on record, including 116 health-based violations. 32 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pablo's water
Pablo ranks #102 out of 115 cities in Montana for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Pablo 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.
The system has seen 284 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pablo, MT water safe to drink?
Pablo's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (43/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 19 water systems serve approximately 4,263 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Pablo
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pablo's water quality assessment. Grade: F (43/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U, Combined Uranium, Radium-228.
Contaminants: Asbestos.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4437). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4172). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Pablo's water supply.
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
Pablo's water system has 542 total violations on record, including 116 health-based violations. 32 remain unresolved. 284 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lake County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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 Lake At Polson, Flathead River Near Polson.
Where does Pablo's water come from?
Pablo's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 19 water systems serving approximately 4,263 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 Lake At Polson (lake), Flathead River Near Polson (river).
What Pablo residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pablo'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.
Pablo'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
Lake County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Pablo'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. | 10.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Pablo compares by contaminant
Explore where Pablo ranks among all Montana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pablo's water comes from
Pablo'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 4,263 people through 19 water systems.
Water bodies near Pablo
Pablo is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Pablo
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PABLO LAKE COUNTY WATER AND SEWER DIST | MT0001917 | 2,175 | GW |
| ST IGNATIUS (MISSION) SO.SIDE | 083090031 | 356 | GW |
| PACHE WATER SYSTEM | 083090036 | 250 | GW |
| TURTLE LAKE WATER SYSTEM | 083090032 | 225 | GW |
| DIXON, TOWN OF | 083090034 | 216 | GW |
| ELMO WATER SYSTEM | 083090024 | 210 | GW |
| ARLEE | 083090027 | 124 | GW |
| WOODCOCK WATER SYSTEM | 083090033 | 101 | GW |
| MISSION DAM WATER SYSTEM | 083090029 | 87 | GW |
| SCHLEY WATER SYSTEM | 083090030 | 85 | GW |
| DIXON (OLD AGENCY) | 083090023 | 72 | GW |
| CHIEF MARTIN CHARLO HOMESITE | 083090305 | 66 | GW |
| BIG ARM WATER SYSTEM | 083090309 | 66 | GW |
| CSKT DIVISION OF FIRE MANAGEMENT | 083090320 | 60 | GW |
| EVARO WATER SYSTEM | 083090025 | 40 | GW |
| HOULE VILLA WATER SYSTEM | 083090026 | 38 | GW |
| CLARICE PAUL WATER SYSTEM | 083090021 | 35 | GW |
| GRAY WOLF VILLAGE | 083090038 | 32 | GW |
| DAYTON WATER SYSTEM | 083090022 | 25 | GW |
How Pablo compares
Full Montana rankings →Pablo's score of 43/100 is on par with the average of 45/100 among major Montana cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Montana rankings →ZIP codes served by Pablo
The water systems serving Pablo cover 1 ZIP code. Select any ZIP to see which water systems serve that area.
About Pablo, MT
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pablo's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lake
Frequently asked questions
Is Pablo, MT tap water safe to drink?
Pablo's water quality earned a grade of F (43/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #102 out of 115 cities tested in Montana.
What contaminants are in Pablo's water?
Lead was measured at 10.0 ppb (90th percentile). 542 violations are on record.
How is Pablo'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 Pablo?
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 Pablo's water come from?
Pablo's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 19 water systems serving approximately 4,263 residents.
What health violations has Pablo's water system had?
Pablo has 116 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 32 violations remain unresolved.
Is Pablo's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Pablo 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 542 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 Pablo's water compare to other cities?
Pablo ranks #102 out of 115 cities in Montana (better than 11% of state cities) and #14673 out of 15744 cities nationally (7th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.