Is Townsend, MT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 16 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79.5/100
waterverge.com Townsend, MT — Water Quality Report
Townsend's drinking water received a grade of B (79.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,150 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 235 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved.
What to know about Townsend's water
Townsend ranks #40 out of 115 cities in Montana for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Townsend 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, Townsend may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Townsend, MT water safe to drink?
Townsend's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,150 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Townsend
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Townsend's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.5/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4172). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Townsend's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Townsend's water system has 235 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Broadwater County has experienced 4 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 Townsend's water come from?
Townsend's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,150 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Townsend residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Townsend'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.
Townsend'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 Townsend
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Townsend, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GRAYMONT WESTERN US INC INDIAN CREEK LIME PRODUCTION TOWNSEND, MT59644 | — | — | 0.5 mi |
US ARMY NATIONAL GUARD LIMESTONE HILLS RANGES TOWNSEND, MT59644 | — | — | 1.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtBroadwater 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
Broadwater County has experienced 4 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Townsend compares by contaminant
Explore where Townsend ranks among all Montana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Townsend's water comes from
Townsend'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 2,150 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Townsend
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWNSEND CITY OF | MT0000344 | 2,000 | GW |
| MOUNTAIN VIEW MB HM PK | MT0001921 | 150 | GW |
How Townsend compares
Full Montana rankings →Townsend's score of 79.5/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Montana cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Montana rankings →About Townsend, MT
Wikipedia →Townsend is a city in and the county seat of Broadwater County, Montana, United States. The population was 1,787 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Townsend's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Broadwater
Frequently asked questions
Is Townsend, MT tap water safe to drink?
Townsend's water quality earned a grade of B (79.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #40 out of 115 cities tested in Montana.
What contaminants are in Townsend's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 235 violations are on record.
How is Townsend'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 Townsend?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Townsend's water come from?
Townsend's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,150 residents.
What health violations has Townsend's water system had?
Townsend has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 16 violations remain unresolved.
Is Townsend's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Townsend 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 235 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 Townsend's water compare to other cities?
Townsend ranks #40 out of 115 cities in Montana (better than 65% of state cities) and #8244 out of 15744 cities nationally (48th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.