Is West Glacier, 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 ↓
91.1/100
waterverge.com West Glacier, MT — Water Quality Report
West Glacier's drinking water received a grade of A (91.1 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,620 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 28 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about West Glacier's water
West Glacier ranks #4 out of 115 cities in Montana for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
West Glacier 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, West Glacier may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is West Glacier, MT water safe to drink?
West Glacier's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.1/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,620 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for West Glacier
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into West Glacier's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.1/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4655). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
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 West Glacier's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
West Glacier's water system has 28 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Flathead County has experienced 4 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 N F Flathead River Nr Columbia Falls, M F Flathead River Near West Glacier, S F Flathead River Nr Columbia Falls.
Where does West Glacier's water come from?
West Glacier's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,620 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include N F Flathead River Nr Columbia Falls (river), M F Flathead River Near West Glacier (river), S F Flathead River Nr Columbia Falls (river).
What West Glacier 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.
West Glacier'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
Superfund sites within 10 miles of West Glacier
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.
- ANACONDA ALUMINUM CO COLUMBIA FALLS REDUCTION PLANT9.7 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Flathead County has experienced 4 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 West Glacier compares by contaminant
Explore where West Glacier ranks among all Montana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where West Glacier's water comes from
West Glacier'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 federal ownership and serves approximately 1,620 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near West Glacier
West Glacier is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving West Glacier
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ST MARY HEADQUARTERS AND CG | MT0002729 | 1,030 | GW |
| HEADQUARTERS APGAR | MT0003176 | 500 | GW |
| WEST GLACIER WUA | MT0000356 | 90 | GWP |
How West Glacier compares
Full Montana rankings →West Glacier's score of 91.1/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Montana cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Montana rankings →About West Glacier, MT
Wikipedia →West Glacier is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in eastern Flathead County, Montana, United States. As of the 2020 census it had a population of 221. The town is at the west entrance to Glacier National Park and is located on U.S. Route 2 and a main line of the BNSF Railway. The headquarters complex for Glacier National Park is located nearby.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to West Glacier's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Glacier
Frequently asked questions
Is West Glacier, MT tap water safe to drink?
West Glacier's water quality earned a grade of A (91.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #4 out of 115 cities tested in Montana.
What contaminants are in West Glacier's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 28 violations are on record.
How is West Glacier'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 West Glacier?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does West Glacier's water come from?
West Glacier's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,620 residents.
What health violations has West Glacier's water system had?
West Glacier has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is West Glacier's groundwater at risk of contamination?
West Glacier 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 28 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 West Glacier's water compare to other cities?
West Glacier ranks #4 out of 115 cities in Montana (better than 97% of state cities) and #1874 out of 15744 cities nationally (88th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.