Bearcreek, MT: High Radon Risk — 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Although conditions vary by service area, Bearcreek's water systems collectively show below-average compliance within MT — health-based violations are documented throughout the city, and the overall grade reflects a pattern rather than isolated incidents.
How Bearcreek Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Bearcreek Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 54% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.88 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Bearcreek
As of current federal records, Bearcreek, MT is served primarily by one water utility among 1 tracked system. That single provider handles infrastructure investment, rate adjustments, and regulatory reporting under EPA oversight.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Bearcreek, Montana (population ~105), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 2,000 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Bearcreek — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Bearcreek: D (40/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Bearcreek water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Bearcreek
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 59007 | D | RED LODGE WATER DEPT | 2,000 |
All ZIP Codes in Bearcreek
- 59007 [D]
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
CDC Health Data for Bearcreek
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
How Old Is Bearcreek's Housing Stock?
With 54% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
When more than half a city's housing predates the 1986 federal ban on lead solder, plumbing-era lead risk becomes a citywide concern rather than an exception. Bearcreek's median build year of 1985 places it squarely in that category.
Over half of homes in Bearcreek were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Bearcreek: Remediation Cost in Perspective
At current valuations, Bearcreek sits in the low remediation-share tier — the equity impact of fixing documented issues is proportionally minor.
Remediation costs in Bearcreek are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 32% below the Montana average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Bearcreek
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Routinely in Bearcreek, where 54% of housing predates the solder ban and aggregate utility readings hover near the federal threshold, a faucet-level draw functions as a standard household step for families with small kids.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Bearcreek
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 54% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Bearcreek, MT