Ekalaka, MT: 9 Violations — 62/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
In recent monitoring cycles, Ekalaka tap water shows a mixed record for MT — several systems have documented violations alongside areas with clean compliance histories.
How Ekalaka Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Ekalaka Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 9 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.002 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 74% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.63 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Ekalaka
While 1 water system appear in federal records for Ekalaka, MT, one provider supplies the majority of residential connections — making it the central point of infrastructure and compliance accountability for most households.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Ekalaka, Montana, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 746 people.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Ekalaka: C (62/100)
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
Ekalaka water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0020 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 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.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 12 | 1 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 6 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59324 | C | 9 | 0 | Ekalaka Town of |
All ZIP Codes in Ekalaka
- 59324 [C] — 9 violations
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 Ekalaka
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
Top Contaminants in Ekalaka Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Housing & Infrastructure in Ekalaka
With 74% 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
The character of Ekalaka's housing stock is one of deep historical layering — a median build year of 1978 signals a city built largely before the plumbing era changes of 1986 and 1970. Lead-soldered copper joints and, in the oldest properties, lead service lines are commonly present in this inventory. That context shapes what individual water testing may reveal, particularly in neighborhoods where the oldest housing is concentrated.
Over half of homes in Ekalaka 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.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Ekalaka Homeowners
At current valuations, Ekalaka sits in the low remediation-share tier — the equity impact of fixing documented issues is proportionally minor.
Remediation costs in Ekalaka are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 53% below the Montana average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Ekalaka
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.
74% — that captures the slice of Ekalaka housing dating from before the federal ban on solder containing lead. It pairs with aggregate utility readings that either approach or cross 0.015 mg/L, the benchmark set under the EPA Lead and Copper Rule. Together, the two figures shift one-home reads into a standard household-level confirmation, particularly for families with kids. A certified lead-removal filter is available through retailer-verified channels if a kit returns results that warrant additional measures.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Ekalaka
- 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. Filters rated for Consumer Confidence Report Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Ekalaka's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 74% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Ekalaka, MT