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 ↓
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.
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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wibaux, MT water safe to drink?
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).
Recent water quality updates for Wibaux
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wibaux's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: E. COLI, Nitrate-Nitrite.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Wibaux's water supply.
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.
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
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wibaux'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
D2 — severe droughtWibaux 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.
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 Wibaux compares by contaminant
Explore where Wibaux ranks among all Montana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wibaux's water comes from
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.
Water systems serving Wibaux
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WIBAUX TOWN OF | MT0000361 | 550 | GW |
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.
Nearby cities
View Montana rankings →About Wibaux, MT
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wibaux's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Wibaux
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.