Is Ronan, MT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C-, with 21 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
56.5/100
waterverge.com Ronan, MT — Water Quality Report
Ronan's drinking water received a grade of C- (56.5 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 3,281 residents using 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 175 violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ronan's water
Ronan ranks #70 out of 115 cities in Montana for water quality, placing it below 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, Ronan may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 32 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ronan, MT water safe to drink?
Ronan's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (56.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 3,281 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Ronan
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ronan's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (56.5/100).
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
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 Ronan's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ronan's water system has 175 total violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved. 32 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.
Where does Ronan's water come from?
Ronan's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 3,281 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Ronan residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ronan'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.
Ronan'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.
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 |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ronan compares by contaminant
Explore where Ronan ranks among all Montana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ronan's water comes from
Ronan'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 3,281 people through 5 water systems.
Water systems serving Ronan
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RONAN CITY OF | MT0000318 | 2,483 | SW |
| ROUND BUTTE WATER COMPANY | MT0000320 | 400 | GW |
| MISSION MEADOWS RV CAMPSITE PARK, INC. | MT0000621 | 200 | GW |
| MISSION MOUNTAIN LAKE CO W AND S DIST | MT0003801 | 118 | GW |
| MISSION MOUNTAIN VIEW HOA | MT0003157 | 80 | GW |
How Ronan compares
Full Montana rankings →Ronan's score of 56.5/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Montana cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Montana rankings →About Ronan, MT
Wikipedia →Ronan is a city in Lake County, Montana, United States. It is on the Flathead Indian Reservation. The population was 1,955 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ronan's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lake
Frequently asked questions
Is Ronan, MT tap water safe to drink?
Ronan's water quality earned a grade of C- (56.5/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #70 out of 115 cities tested in Montana.
What contaminants are in Ronan's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 175 violations are on record.
How is Ronan'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 Ronan?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ronan's water come from?
Ronan's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 3,281 residents.
What health violations has Ronan's water system had?
Ronan has 14 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 21 violations remain unresolved.
How does Ronan's water compare to other cities?
Ronan ranks #70 out of 115 cities in Montana (better than 39% of state cities) and #12452 out of 15744 cities nationally (21th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.