Is Plentywood, MT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
84.8/100
waterverge.com Plentywood, MT — Water Quality Report
Plentywood's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,700 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 2 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Plentywood's water
Plentywood ranks #21 out of 115 cities in Montana for water quality, placing it above average 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, Plentywood may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Plentywood, MT water safe to drink?
Plentywood's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (84.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,700 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Plentywood
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Plentywood's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.8/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4726). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3253). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Plentywood'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
Plentywood's water system has 2 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Sheridan County has experienced 2 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 Big Muddy Creek Near Antelope.
Where does Plentywood's water come from?
Plentywood's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,700 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Big Muddy Creek Near Antelope (river).
What Plentywood residents can do
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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtSheridan County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Sheridan County has experienced 2 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 Plentywood'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 1.36 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Plentywood compares by contaminant
Explore where Plentywood ranks among all Montana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Plentywood's water comes from
Plentywood'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 1,700 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Plentywood
Plentywood is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Plentywood
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLENTYWOOD WATER DEPARTMENT | MT0000306 | 1,700 | SWP |
How Plentywood compares
Full Montana rankings →Plentywood's score of 84.8/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Montana cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Montana rankings →About Plentywood, MT
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Plentywood's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sheridan
Frequently asked questions
Is Plentywood, MT tap water safe to drink?
Plentywood's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #21 out of 115 cities tested in Montana.
What contaminants are in Plentywood's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 2 violations are on record.
How is Plentywood'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 Plentywood?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Plentywood's water come from?
Plentywood's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,700 residents.
How does Plentywood's water compare to other cities?
Plentywood ranks #21 out of 115 cities in Montana (better than 82% of state cities) and #5681 out of 15744 cities nationally (64th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Plentywood's small water system affect quality?
Plentywood's system serves approximately 1,700 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 2 violations on record.