WaterVerge

Is Wibaux, MT Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded D+, with 25 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

550 residents served 1 water system PWSID: MT0000361
Overall Score
50 / 100
Violations
25 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#82 of 115 in Montana Top 84% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
D+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
50/100
waterverge.com
D+ 50/100

Wibaux, MT — Water Quality Report

Wibaux's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 550 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 139 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 25 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Wibaux's water

Wibaux ranks #82 out of 115 cities in Montana for water quality, placing it below average in the state.

Wibaux 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, Wibaux may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

The system has seen 107 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
50 out of 100 Grade D+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
0/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Wibaux, MT water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Wibaux's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 550 residents using groundwater (wells).

25
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)

Recent water quality updates for Wibaux

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wibaux's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: E. COLI, Nitrate-Nitrite.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Wibaux's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Wibaux's water system has 139 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 25 remain unresolved. 107 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MRMONOtherTTMCL
Most recent violations:
Oct 2025 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jun 2025 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Jan 2025 E. COLI Open
Jan 2025 Nitrate-Nitrite Resolved
Dec 2024 E. COLI Open

Where does Wibaux's water come from?

Wibaux's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 550 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.

What Wibaux residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wibaux's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

139
Total violations
9
Health-based
25
Active / unresolved
Oct 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

139 Total
25 Active
9 Health-based
114 Resolved
Violations by category
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
46
Volatile Organic Chemicals
42
Total Coliform Rule
16
Ground Water Rule
14
Lead and Copper Rule
6
Oct 2025 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2025 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Dec 2024 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Nov 2024 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2023 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2023 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Feb 2023 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Dec 2022 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Nov 2022 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2021 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Nov 2019 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2019 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2017 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Dec 2016 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2016 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
May 2015 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Aug 2012 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Aug 2012 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2012 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Showing 20 of 139 violations
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Wibaux 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.

1
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
11.3%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
1
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 12.0 ppb from 1993 (12.0 ppb) to 2023 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
550
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Wibaux's water comes from

Groundwater

Wibaux'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 550 people through 1 water system.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Wibaux

System Name PWSID Population Source
WIBAUX TOWN OF MT0000361 550 GW
Regional Comparison

How Wibaux compares

Full Montana rankings →

Wibaux's score of 50/100 is on par with the average of 45/100 among major Montana cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Wibaux (this city)
50
Billings
39.6
Missoula
42.6
Bozeman
43.4
Helena
39.1
Montana avg
45
City Profile

About Wibaux, MT

Economic Profile
$61,042
Median Income
$91,416
Median Home Value
$850/mo
Median Rent
0%
Unemployment
Community
51.8
Median Age
230
People / sq mi
19.2%
College Educated
82.4%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Wibaux, MT tap water safe to drink?

Wibaux's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #82 out of 115 cities tested in Montana.

What contaminants are in Wibaux's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 139 violations are on record.

How is Wibaux'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 Wibaux?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Wibaux's water come from?

Wibaux's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 550 residents.

What health violations has Wibaux's water system had?

Wibaux has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 25 violations remain unresolved.

Is Wibaux's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Wibaux 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 139 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 Wibaux's water compare to other cities?

Wibaux ranks #82 out of 115 cities in Montana (better than 29% of state cities) and #13194 out of 15744 cities nationally (16th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Wibaux's small water system affect quality?

Wibaux's system serves approximately 550 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 139 violations on record.