Water Quality in Fort Benton, MT: 4 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 61/100 · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Fort Benton's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
EPA files for Fort Benton, MT document 4 water violations — a record that encompasses health-based exceedances, monitoring and reporting failures, and any other compliance events registered for local public water systems across all available federal compliance records for this area.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Fort Benton
Water quality varies across Fort Benton's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59442 | C | 61 | 4 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Fort Benton, Montana receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 61 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 3 water systems serving Fort Benton have accumulated 4 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 1,630 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Fort Benton's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Fort Benton water systems is 0.0020 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 80% of homes built before 1986, Fort Benton has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Fort Benton is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Fort Benton
Fort Benton is served by 3 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 1,630 people across 1 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 8 enforcement actions against water systems serving Fort Benton. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Fort Benton
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Fort Benton Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Fort Benton's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 7 enforcement actions against water systems serving Fort Benton. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-10-22 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-10-22 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2023-10-02 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-10-02 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2021-07-29 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-07-26 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-07-19 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-10-22.
Fort Benton vs. Nearby Montana Cities
How Fort Benton's water quality compares to similar cities in Montana:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Benton | C | 4 | 3 | 1,630 |
| Lincoln | B | 4 | 4 | 1,630 |
| West Glacier | C | 1 | 3 | 1,620 |
| Springdale | D | 0 | 1 | 1,650 |
Common Questions About Fort Benton Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Fort Benton, Montana:
Is Fort Benton water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Fort Benton's 3 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Fort Benton tap water? Fort Benton's water receives a grade of C (61/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Fort Benton? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Fort Benton vs. Montana Average
Understanding how Fort Benton compares to the broader Montana average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Fort Benton.
ZIP Codes in Fort Benton
Fort Benton spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 59442. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
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
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.