Water Quality in Glasgow, MT: 42 Violations — Grade F
Grade F · Score 39/100 · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Glasgow's water has serious compliance issues. Independent testing and filtration are strongly recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Drinking water compliance data for Glasgow, MT reflects 42 EPA violations — details in the grid below.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Glasgow
Water quality varies across Glasgow's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59230 | F | 39 | 42 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Glasgow, Montana receives a water quality grade of F with an overall score of 39 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 3 water systems serving Glasgow have accumulated 42 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 3,883 people.
What Grade F Means
A grade of F indicates serious compliance issues. Glasgow's water systems have substantial violations. Residents should strongly consider independent water testing and appropriate filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Glasgow water systems is 0.0060 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 80% of homes built before 1986, Glasgow 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
Glasgow 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 Glasgow
Glasgow is served by 3 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 3,883 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 Glasgow. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Glasgow
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 Glasgow Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Glasgow's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E. coli | Microbiological | N/A | 13 | 1 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 6 | 1 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 4 | 1 | No |
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 3 | 1 | No |
| Arsenic | Inorganic | 0.01 mg/L | 2 | 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 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Glasgow. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-12-16 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-12-16 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-12-16 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-11-21 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-11-21 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-07-14 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-06-24 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-04-30 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-04-29 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-02-24 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-12-16.
Glasgow vs. Nearby Montana Cities
How Glasgow's water quality compares to similar cities in Montana:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glasgow | F | 42 | 3 | 3,883 |
| Lolo | C | 3 | 5 | 3,825 |
| Cut Bank | C | 2 | 5 | 3,999 |
| Culbertson | C | 2 | 2 | 3,719 |
Common Questions About Glasgow Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Glasgow, Montana:
Is Glasgow water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Glasgow's 3 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Glasgow tap water? Glasgow's water receives a grade of F (39/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Glasgow? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Glasgow vs. Montana Average
Understanding how Glasgow 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 Glasgow.
ZIP Codes in Glasgow
Glasgow spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 59230. 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.