Is Warm Springs, MT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79.6/100
waterverge.com Warm Springs, MT — Water Quality Report
Warm Springs's drinking water received a grade of B (79.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 721 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 11 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Warm Springs's water
Warm Springs ranks #39 out of 115 cities in Montana for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Warm Springs 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Warm Springs may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 11 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Warm Springs, MT water safe to drink?
Warm Springs's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 721 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Warm Springs
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Warm Springs's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.6/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3253). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-761). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Warm Springs's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Warm Springs's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 11 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Deer Lodge County has experienced 3 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 Silver Bow Creek At Opportunity, Mill Creek Nr Anaconda, Mill Creek At Opportunity, Willow Creek Nr Anaconda, Willow Creek At Opportunity.
Where does Warm Springs's water come from?
Warm Springs's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 721 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Silver Bow Creek At Opportunity (river), Mill Creek Nr Anaconda (river), Mill Creek At Opportunity (river), Willow Creek Nr Anaconda (river), Willow Creek At Opportunity (river).
What Warm Springs residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Warm Springs'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.
Warm Springs'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
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtDeer Lodge County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Deer Lodge County has experienced 3 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 Warm Springs'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. | 6.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Warm Springs compares by contaminant
Explore where Warm Springs ranks among all Montana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Warm Springs's water comes from
Warm Springs'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 state ownership and serves approximately 721 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Warm Springs
Warm Springs is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Warm Springs
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MONTANA STATE HOSPITAL COMPLEX | MT0004805 | 721 | GW |
How Warm Springs compares
Full Montana rankings →Warm Springs's score of 79.6/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Montana cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Montana rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Warm Springs's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Deer Lodge
Frequently asked questions
Is Warm Springs, MT tap water safe to drink?
Warm Springs's water quality earned a grade of B (79.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #39 out of 115 cities tested in Montana.
What contaminants are in Warm Springs's water?
Lead was measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.
How is Warm Springs'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 Warm Springs?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Warm Springs's water come from?
Warm Springs's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 721 residents.
Is Warm Springs's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Warm Springs 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 11 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 Warm Springs's water compare to other cities?
Warm Springs ranks #39 out of 115 cities in Montana (better than 66% of state cities) and #8213 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.
Does Warm Springs's small water system affect quality?
Warm Springs's system serves approximately 721 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 11 violations on record.