Is Virginia City, MT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 13 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
68.4/100
waterverge.com Virginia City, MT — Water Quality Report
Virginia City's drinking water received a grade of C+ (68.4 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,500 residents using groundwater.
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 48 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about Virginia City's water
Virginia City ranks #57 out of 115 cities in Montana for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Virginia City 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, Virginia City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 14 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Virginia City, MT water safe to drink?
Virginia City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (68.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,500 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Virginia City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Virginia City's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (68.4/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
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 Virginia City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Virginia City's water system has 48 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved. 14 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Madison County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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 Virginia City's water come from?
Virginia City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,500 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Virginia City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Virginia City'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtMadison County is currently in D3 (extreme 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
Madison County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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 Virginia City compares by contaminant
Explore where Virginia City ranks among all Montana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Virginia City's water comes from
Virginia City'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 1,500 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Virginia City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIRGINIA CITY WATER DEPT | MT0000353 | 1,500 | GW |
How Virginia City compares
Full Montana rankings →Virginia City's score of 68.4/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Montana cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Montana rankings →About Virginia City, MT
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Virginia City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Madison
Frequently asked questions
Is Virginia City, MT tap water safe to drink?
Virginia City's water quality earned a grade of C+ (68.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #57 out of 115 cities tested in Montana.
What contaminants are in Virginia City's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 48 violations are on record.
How is Virginia City'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 Virginia City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Virginia City's water come from?
Virginia City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,500 residents.
What health violations has Virginia City's water system had?
Virginia City has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 13 violations remain unresolved.
Is Virginia City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Virginia City 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 48 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 Virginia City's water compare to other cities?
Virginia City ranks #57 out of 115 cities in Montana (better than 50% of state cities) and #11080 out of 15744 cities nationally (30th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Virginia City's small water system affect quality?
Virginia City's system serves approximately 1,500 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 48 violations on record.