Is Superior, MT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
93.2/100
waterverge.com Superior, MT — Water Quality Report
Superior's drinking water received a grade of A (93.2 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,100 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 9 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Superior's water
Superior ranks #2 out of 115 cities in Montana for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Superior 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, Superior may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Superior, MT water safe to drink?
Superior's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (93.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,100 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Superior
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Superior's water quality assessment. Grade: A (93.2/100).
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3253). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-417). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Superior's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Superior's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Mineral County has experienced 2 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. Local water sources include Clark Fork At Superior, Clark Fork Near Paradise.
Where does Superior's water come from?
Superior's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,100 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Clark Fork At Superior (river), Clark Fork Near Paradise (river).
What Superior residents can do
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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Superior
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.
- FLAT CREEK IMM2.6 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Mineral County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Superior compares by contaminant
Explore where Superior ranks among all Montana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Superior's water comes from
Superior'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 1,100 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Superior
Superior is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Superior
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUPERIOR TOWN OF | MT0000339 | 1,100 | GW |
How Superior compares
Full Montana rankings →Superior's score of 93.2/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Montana cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Montana rankings →About Superior, MT
Wikipedia →Superior is a town in, and the county seat of, Mineral County, Montana, United States. The population was 830 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Superior's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mineral
Frequently asked questions
Is Superior, MT tap water safe to drink?
Superior's water quality earned a grade of A (93.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #2 out of 115 cities tested in Montana.
What contaminants are in Superior's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.
How is Superior'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 Superior?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Superior's water come from?
Superior's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,100 residents.
Is Superior's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Superior 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 9 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 Superior's water compare to other cities?
Superior ranks #2 out of 115 cities in Montana (better than 98% of state cities) and #941 out of 15744 cities nationally (94th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Superior's small water system affect quality?
Superior's system serves approximately 1,100 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 9 violations on record.