Is Red Lodge, MT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 14 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
77.2/100
waterverge.com Red Lodge, MT — Water Quality Report
Red Lodge's drinking water received a grade of B (77.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,236 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 196 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved.
What to know about Red Lodge's water
Red Lodge ranks #44 out of 115 cities in Montana for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Red Lodge 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, Red Lodge may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Red Lodge, MT water safe to drink?
Red Lodge's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,236 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Red Lodge
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Red Lodge's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.2/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4745). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4655). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Red Lodge's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Red Lodge's water system has 196 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Carbon County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1978. 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 Rock Creek Near Red Lodge.
Where does Red Lodge's water come from?
Red Lodge's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,236 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Rock Creek Near Red Lodge (river).
What Red Lodge residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Red Lodge'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.
Red Lodge'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
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtCarbon County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Carbon County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1978. 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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Red Lodge compares by contaminant
Explore where Red Lodge ranks among all Montana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Red Lodge's water comes from
Red Lodge'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 2,236 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Red Lodge
Red Lodge is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Red Lodge
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RED LODGE WATER DEPT | MT0000314 | 2,000 | GW |
| BEARCREEK MUNICIPAL WATER SYS | MT0000063 | 200 | GW |
| CANYON RANCHES SUBDIVISION | MT0005229 | 36 | GW |
How Red Lodge compares
Full Montana rankings →Red Lodge's score of 77.2/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Montana cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Montana rankings →About Red Lodge, MT
Wikipedia →Red Lodge is a city and county seat of Carbon County, Montana, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 2,257.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Red Lodge's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Carbon
Frequently asked questions
Is Red Lodge, MT tap water safe to drink?
Red Lodge's water quality earned a grade of B (77.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #44 out of 115 cities tested in Montana.
What contaminants are in Red Lodge's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 196 violations are on record.
How is Red Lodge'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 Red Lodge?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Red Lodge's water come from?
Red Lodge's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,236 residents.
What health violations has Red Lodge's water system had?
Red Lodge has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 14 violations remain unresolved.
Is Red Lodge's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Red Lodge 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 196 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 Red Lodge's water compare to other cities?
Red Lodge ranks #44 out of 115 cities in Montana (better than 62% of state cities) and #9077 out of 15744 cities nationally (42th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.