Canyon Creek, MT: High Radon Risk — 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Across water systems in Canyon Creek, EPA data shows a below-average compliance pattern for MT — health-based violations are on file in several areas, and checking the specific system serving your address is a practical first step for concerned residents.
How Canyon Creek Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Canyon Creek Water
- Homes built before 1986: 41% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.82.
Who Supplies Your Water in Canyon Creek
Federal records track 1 water system in Canyon Creek, MT, and a single provider handles the dominant share of residential connections while carrying primary responsibility for EPA compliance.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Canyon Creek, Montana (population ~288), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,275 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Canyon Creek — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Canyon Creek: 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
Canyon Creek water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Canyon Creek
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 59633 | D | VA MEDICAL CENTER HELENA | 1,275 |
All ZIP Codes in Canyon Creek
- 59633 [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.
Health Outcomes in Canyon Creek
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
Housing & Infrastructure in Canyon Creek
With 41% 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
Lead solder was a standard plumbing material before 1986, when federal law prohibited its use in new residential construction. In Canyon Creek, the median build year of 1998 indicates that plumbing age is a material factor in local lead risk — with the pre-1986 share concentrated in specific neighborhoods and building types where older construction remains common.
Most homes in Canyon Creek were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Canyon Creek Homeowners
Because property values in Canyon Creek comfortably exceed estimated remediation costs, the equity impact here is proportionally small.
Remediation costs in Canyon Creek are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 38% above the Montana average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Canyon Creek
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.
In recent monitoring under the Lead and Copper Rule, citywide samples for Canyon Creek have approached or crossed the regulatory action level on multiple occasions. Combined with 41% of stock dating from the pre-rule era, the picture supports baseline single-tap reads as a standard household-level step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Canyon Creek
- 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 41% 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 Canyon Creek, MT