Is Three Forks, MT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
92.3/100
waterverge.com Three Forks, MT — Water Quality Report
Three Forks's drinking water received a grade of A (92.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,900 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 74 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Three Forks's water
Three Forks ranks #3 out of 115 cities in Montana for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Three Forks 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, Three Forks may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Three Forks, MT water safe to drink?
Three Forks's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (92.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,900 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Three Forks
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Three Forks's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.3/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3253). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
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 Three Forks's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Three Forks's water system has 74 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Gallatin County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1981. 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 Jefferson River Near Three Forks, Gallatin River At Logan.
Where does Three Forks's water come from?
Three Forks's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,900 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Jefferson River Near Three Forks (river), Gallatin River At Logan (river).
What Three Forks 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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Three Forks
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Three Forks, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GCC-THREE FORKS LLC THREE FORKS, MT59752 | — | — | 5.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtGallatin County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Gallatin County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1981. 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Three Forks compares by contaminant
Explore where Three Forks ranks among all Montana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Three Forks's water comes from
Three Forks'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 1,900 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Three Forks
Three Forks is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Three Forks
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| THREE FORKS CITY OF | MT0000343 | 1,900 | GW |
How Three Forks compares
Full Montana rankings →Three Forks's score of 92.3/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Montana cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Montana rankings →About Three Forks, MT
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Three Forks's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Gallatin
Frequently asked questions
Is Three Forks, MT tap water safe to drink?
Three Forks's water quality earned a grade of A (92.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #3 out of 115 cities tested in Montana.
What contaminants are in Three Forks's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 74 violations are on record.
How is Three Forks'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 Three Forks?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Three Forks's water come from?
Three Forks's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,900 residents.
What health violations has Three Forks's water system had?
Three Forks has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2019. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Three Forks's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Three Forks 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 74 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 Three Forks's water compare to other cities?
Three Forks ranks #3 out of 115 cities in Montana (better than 97% of state cities) and #1294 out of 15744 cities nationally (92th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Three Forks's small water system affect quality?
Three Forks's system serves approximately 1,900 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 74 violations on record.