Is Sand Coulee, MT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C-, with 22 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
55.6/100
waterverge.com Sand Coulee, MT — Water Quality Report
Sand Coulee's drinking water received a grade of C- (55.6 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 590 residents using groundwater.
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 507 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 22 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sand Coulee's water
Sand Coulee ranks #71 out of 115 cities in Montana for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Sand Coulee 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, Sand Coulee may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sand Coulee, MT water safe to drink?
Sand Coulee's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (55.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 590 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sand Coulee
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sand Coulee's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (55.6/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3253). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-640). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sand Coulee's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sand Coulee's water system has 507 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 22 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Cascade County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1975. 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 Sand Coulee's water come from?
Sand Coulee's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 590 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Sand Coulee residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sand Coulee'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.
Sand Coulee'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Sand Coulee
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Sand Coulee, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
US DOD USAF MALMSTROM AFB MALMSTROM AFB, MT594027536 | — | — | 7.8 mi |
CHS GREAT FALLS FEED GREAT FALLS, MT59405 | — | — | 8.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Sand Coulee
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- ACM SMELTER AND REFINERY9.4 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtCascade County is currently in D3 (extreme 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
Cascade County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1975. 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 Sand Coulee compares by contaminant
Explore where Sand Coulee ranks among all Montana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sand Coulee's water comes from
Sand Coulee'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 private ownership and serves approximately 590 people through 4 water systems.
Water systems serving Sand Coulee
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TRACY WATER USERS CORP | MT0000345 | 200 | GW |
| SAND COULEE WATER USERS DISTRICT | MT0000325 | 180 | GW |
| BIG STONE COLONY INC | MT0003077 | 130 | GW |
| GRASSLAND COLONY | MT0004832 | 80 | GW |
How Sand Coulee compares
Full Montana rankings →Sand Coulee's score of 55.6/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Montana cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Montana rankings →About Sand Coulee, MT
Wikipedia →Sand Coulee is a census-designated place and unincorporated community in Cascade County, Montana, United States. Its population was 212 as of the 2010 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sand Coulee's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cascade
Frequently asked questions
Is Sand Coulee, MT tap water safe to drink?
Sand Coulee's water quality earned a grade of C- (55.6/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #71 out of 115 cities tested in Montana.
What contaminants are in Sand Coulee's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 507 violations are on record.
How is Sand Coulee'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 Sand Coulee?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sand Coulee's water come from?
Sand Coulee's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 590 residents.
What health violations has Sand Coulee's water system had?
Sand Coulee has 10 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 22 violations remain unresolved.
Is Sand Coulee's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sand Coulee 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 507 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 Sand Coulee's water compare to other cities?
Sand Coulee ranks #71 out of 115 cities in Montana (better than 38% of state cities) and #12521 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.