Fort Smith, MT: 10 Health Violations — 33/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Water compliance in Fort Smith, MT ranks below average — documented gaps in multiple service areas.
How Fort Smith Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Fort Smith Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 36 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.003 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 75% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,000 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.46 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Fort Smith
Structurally, Fort Smith, MT's water supply is divided. Federal data identifies 3 water systems in the area, with 3 providers serving the bulk of residential connections. These utilities operate independently, meaning rate-setting authority and EPA compliance accountability are distributed rather than centralized.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Fort Smith, Montana (population ~187), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 1,325 people region-wide.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 10 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Fort Smith: F (33/100)
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
Fort Smith water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0030 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contaminant 0700 | Other | 28 | 1 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 16 | 1 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 14 | 1 |
| Arsenic | Inorganic | 12 | 1 |
| E. coli | Microbiological | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59035 | F | 36 | 10 | Worden Ballantine Yellowstone |
All ZIP Codes in Fort Smith
- 59035 [F] — 36 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.
CDC Health Data for Fort Smith
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
Key Contaminants Detected in Fort Smith
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Old Is Fort Smith's Housing Stock?
With 75% 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
Heavily weighted toward older construction, Fort Smith's housing stock carries a median build year of 1979. That profile puts a majority of homes in the era when lead-soldered copper plumbing was standard practice.
Over half of homes in Fort Smith 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.
Fort Smith: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Given current Fort Smith valuations, the remediation-to-property-value ratio is low — most homeowners are looking at a proportionally modest share that fits within routine financial planning.
Remediation costs in Fort Smith are relatively low compared to home values. The $300–$2,300 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 41% below the Montana average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Fort Smith
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.
When older housing represents 75% of the local inventory or aggregate readings approach the federal action level, an in-home check becomes the standard way to translate citywide averages into the specific reality of an individual Fort Smith address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Fort Smith
- 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 Contaminant 0700 can reduce the most common contaminant found in Fort Smith's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 75% 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 Fort Smith, MT