Is Philipsburg, 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 ↓
42/100
waterverge.com Philipsburg, MT — Water Quality Report
Philipsburg's drinking water received a grade of F (42 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,360 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 79 violations on record, including 19 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved.
What to know about Philipsburg's water
Philipsburg ranks #107 out of 115 cities in Montana for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Philipsburg may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 19 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Philipsburg, MT water safe to drink?
Philipsburg's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (42/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,360 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Philipsburg
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Philipsburg's water quality assessment. Grade: F (42/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3253). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-761). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Philipsburg'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
Philipsburg's water system has 79 total violations on record, including 19 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved. 19 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Granite County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1981. 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 Georgetown Lake Near Philipsburg, Flint Creek Near Southern Cross, Flint Creek At Maxville, Boulder Creek At Maxville.
Where does Philipsburg's water come from?
Philipsburg's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,360 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Georgetown Lake Near Philipsburg (river), Flint Creek Near Southern Cross (river), Flint Creek At Maxville (river), Boulder Creek At Maxville (river).
What Philipsburg residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Philipsburg'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.
Philipsburg'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
Granite County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1981. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Philipsburg'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. | 1.0 | 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. | 1.70 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Philipsburg compares by contaminant
Explore where Philipsburg ranks among all Montana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Philipsburg's water comes from
Philipsburg's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,360 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Philipsburg
Philipsburg is located near 4 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Philipsburg
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHILIPSBURG TOWN OF | MT0000304 | 1,360 | SW |
How Philipsburg compares
Full Montana rankings →Philipsburg's score of 42/100 is on par with the average of 45/100 among major Montana cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 5 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Montana rankings →About Philipsburg, MT
Wikipedia →Philipsburg is a town in and the county seat of Granite County, Montana, United States. The population was 841 at the 2020 census. The town was named after the famous mining engineer Philip Deidesheimer, who designed and supervised the construction of the ore smelter around which the town originally formed. He platted the townsite in 1867.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Philipsburg's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Granite
Frequently asked questions
Is Philipsburg, MT tap water safe to drink?
Philipsburg's water quality earned a grade of F (42/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #107 out of 115 cities tested in Montana.
What contaminants are in Philipsburg's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 79 violations are on record.
How is Philipsburg'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 Philipsburg?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Philipsburg's water come from?
Philipsburg's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,360 residents.
What health violations has Philipsburg's water system had?
Philipsburg has 19 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2026. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 17 violations remain unresolved.
How does Philipsburg's water compare to other cities?
Philipsburg ranks #107 out of 115 cities in Montana (better than 7% of state cities) and #14910 out of 15744 cities nationally (5th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Philipsburg's small water system affect quality?
Philipsburg's system serves approximately 1,360 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 79 violations on record.