Is Seeley Lake, 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 ↓
82.1/100
waterverge.com Seeley Lake, MT — Water Quality Report
Seeley Lake's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,575 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 4.0 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 88 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Seeley Lake's water
Seeley Lake ranks #30 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.
As a small community water system, Seeley Lake may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Seeley Lake, MT water safe to drink?
Seeley Lake's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,575 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Seeley Lake
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Seeley Lake's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.1/100).
Contaminants: Asbestos.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4405). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Seeley Lake'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
Seeley Lake's water system has 88 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Missoula County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Seeley Lake's water come from?
Seeley Lake's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,575 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Seeley Lake residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Seeley Lake'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Seeley Lake'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
Missoula County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1974. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Seeley Lake'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. | 4.0 | 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. | 1.80 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.800 mg/L (1995)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Seeley Lake compares by contaminant
Explore where Seeley Lake ranks among all Montana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Seeley Lake's water comes from
Seeley Lake'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 1,575 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Seeley Lake
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEELEY LAKE WATER DISTRICT | MT0000327 | 1,575 | SW |
How Seeley Lake compares
Full Montana rankings →Seeley Lake's score of 82.1/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Montana cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Montana rankings →About Seeley Lake, MT
Wikipedia →Seeley Lake is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Missoula County, Montana, United States. It is part of the Missoula metropolitan area. The town sits beside the 1,030-acre (420 ha) Seeley Lake. The population was 1,682 at the 2020 census. The town contains a site listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Double Arrow Lodge.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Seeley Lake's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Missoula
Frequently asked questions
Is Seeley Lake, MT tap water safe to drink?
Seeley Lake's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #30 out of 115 cities tested in Montana.
What contaminants are in Seeley Lake's water?
Lead was measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile). 88 violations are on record.
How is Seeley Lake'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 Seeley Lake?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Seeley Lake's water come from?
Seeley Lake's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,575 residents.
What health violations has Seeley Lake's water system had?
Seeley Lake has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
How does Seeley Lake's water compare to other cities?
Seeley Lake ranks #30 out of 115 cities in Montana (better than 74% of state cities) and #7166 out of 15744 cities nationally (55th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Seeley Lake's small water system affect quality?
Seeley Lake's system serves approximately 1,575 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 88 violations on record.