Water Quality in Fort Smith, MT: 36 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 50/100 · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Fort Smith's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
On record with EPA: Fort Smith, MT has 36 water violations.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Fort Smith
Water quality varies across Fort Smith's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59035 | F | 33 | 36 | 10 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Fort Smith.
Water Quality Overview
Fort Smith, Montana receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 50 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 3 water systems serving Fort Smith have accumulated 36 EPA violations, including 10 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 1,325 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Fort Smith's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Fort Smith water systems is 0.0030 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 75% of homes built before 1986, Fort Smith 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 Smith is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Fort Smith
Fort Smith is served by 3 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 1,325 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 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Fort Smith. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Fort Smith
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 Smith Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Fort Smith's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 8 | 1 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 7 | 1 | Yes |
| Arsenic | Inorganic | 0.01 mg/L | 6 | 1 | Yes |
| E. coli | Microbiological | N/A | 1 | 1 | Yes |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Fort Smith:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2 | 2 |
| 2022 | 1 | 1 |
| 2023 | 3 | 3 |
| 2024 | 1 | 1 |
| 2025 | 3 | 3 |
Violations have increased from 2 in 2021 to 3 in 2025. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Fort Smith. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-12-10 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-11-26 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-11-26 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-10-27 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-10-27 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-07-14 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-10 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-10 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-06-10 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-05-27 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-12-10.
Fort Smith vs. Nearby Montana Cities
How Fort Smith's water quality compares to similar cities in Montana:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Smith | D | 36 | 3 | 1,325 |
| Arlee | D | 0 | 1 | 1,350 |
| Zurich | D | 0 | 1 | 1,300 |
| Drummond | D | 0 | 1 | 1,360 |
Common Questions About Fort Smith Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Fort Smith, Montana:
Is Fort Smith water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Fort Smith's 3 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Fort Smith tap water? Fort Smith's water receives a grade of D (50/100). There are 10 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Fort Smith? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Fort Smith vs. Montana Average
Understanding how Fort Smith 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 Smith.
ZIP Codes in Fort Smith
Fort Smith spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 59035. 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.