Is Poplar, 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 ↓
75/100
waterverge.com Poplar, MT — Water Quality Report
Poplar's drinking water received a grade of B (75 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,751 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 32 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Poplar's water
Poplar ranks #49 out of 115 cities in Montana for water quality, placing it mid-range 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.
The system has seen 14 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Poplar, MT water safe to drink?
Poplar's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,751 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Poplar
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Poplar's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4726). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3253). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Poplar'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
Poplar's water system has 32 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 14 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Roosevelt 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 Poplar River Near Poplar.
Where does Poplar's water come from?
Poplar's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 4,751 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Poplar River Near Poplar (river).
What Poplar residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Poplar'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.
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
Roosevelt 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 Poplar'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. | 2.03 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Poplar compares by contaminant
Explore where Poplar ranks among all Montana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Poplar's water comes from
Poplar'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 native american ownership and serves approximately 4,751 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Poplar
Poplar 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 Poplar
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| POPLAR, CITY OF | 083090051 | 3,025 | SWP |
| ASSINIBOINE & SIOUX RURAL WATER SYSTEM | 083090050 | 1,726 | SW |
How Poplar compares
Full Montana rankings →Poplar's score of 75/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Montana cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Montana rankings →ZIP codes served by Poplar
The water systems serving Poplar cover 1 ZIP code. Select any ZIP to see which water systems serve that area.
About Poplar, MT
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Poplar's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Poplar, MT tap water safe to drink?
Poplar's water quality earned a grade of B (75/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #49 out of 115 cities tested in Montana.
What contaminants are in Poplar's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 32 violations are on record.
How is Poplar'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 Poplar?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Poplar's water come from?
Poplar's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 4,751 residents.
What health violations has Poplar's water system had?
Poplar has 8 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. 3 violations remain unresolved.
How does Poplar's water compare to other cities?
Poplar ranks #49 out of 115 cities in Montana (better than 57% of state cities) and #9692 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.