Is Scobey, MT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.1/100
waterverge.com Scobey, MT — Water Quality Report
Scobey's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,026 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 10 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Scobey's water
Scobey ranks #11 out of 115 cities in Montana for water quality, placing it one of the best 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, Scobey may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Scobey, MT water safe to drink?
Scobey's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,026 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Scobey
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Scobey's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.1/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4745). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4726). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Scobey's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Scobey's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Daniels County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1986. 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 Scobey's water come from?
Scobey's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,026 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Scobey residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Scobey'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.
Scobey'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
Daniels County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1986. 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 Scobey compares by contaminant
Explore where Scobey ranks among all Montana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Scobey's water comes from
Scobey'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 1,026 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Scobey
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCOBEY CITY OF | MT0000326 | 1,026 | SWP |
How Scobey compares
Full Montana rankings →Scobey's score of 88.1/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Montana cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Montana rankings →About Scobey, MT
Wikipedia →Scobey is a city in and the county seat of Daniels County, Montana, United States. The population was 999 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Scobey's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Daniels
Frequently asked questions
Is Scobey, MT tap water safe to drink?
Scobey's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #11 out of 115 cities tested in Montana.
What contaminants are in Scobey's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is Scobey'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 Scobey?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Scobey's water come from?
Scobey's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,026 residents.
How does Scobey's water compare to other cities?
Scobey ranks #11 out of 115 cities in Montana (better than 90% of state cities) and #3652 out of 15744 cities nationally (77th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Scobey's small water system affect quality?
Scobey's system serves approximately 1,026 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 10 violations on record.