Water Quality in Helena, MT: 288 Violations — Grade F
Grade F · Score 39/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Helena'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
According to EPA filings, Helena, MT has 288 water compliance violations on record — sourced from SDWIS, the federal database that tracks reportable events for every registered public water system in the state.
Water Quality Map: Helena, MT
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Helena
Water quality varies across Helena's 8 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59602 | F | 37 | 36 | 11 | View report → |
| 59620 | F | 37 | 36 | 11 | View report → |
| 59623 | F | 37 | 36 | 11 | View report → |
| 59624 | F | 37 | 36 | 11 | View report → |
| 59625 | F | 37 | 36 | 11 | View report → |
| 59626 | F | 37 | 36 | 11 | View report → |
| 59601 | D | 42 | 36 | 11 | View report → |
| 59604 | D | 47 | 36 | 11 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Helena.
Water Quality Overview
Helena, 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 5 water systems serving Helena have accumulated 288 EPA violations, including 88 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 8 ZIP codes serving approximately 36,935 people.
What Grade F Means
A grade of F indicates serious compliance issues. Helena'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 Helena water systems is 0.0030 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 52% of homes built before 1986, Helena 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
Helena 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 Helena
Helena is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 36,935 people across 8 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 80 enforcement actions against water systems serving Helena. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Helena
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 Helena Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Helena's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 112 | 8 | Yes |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 88 | 8 | Yes |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 24 | 8 | No |
| Gross Beta | Radionuclides | 50 pCi/L | 8 | 8 | No |
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 Helena:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 24 | 24 |
| 2023 | 16 | 16 |
| 2024 | 8 | 8 |
Violations have decreased from 24 in 2022 to 8 in 2024, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 9 enforcement actions against water systems serving Helena. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-07-23 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-23 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-07-18 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-18 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-07-02 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-02-04 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-02-04 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-06-26 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-04-18 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-07-23.
Helena vs. Nearby Montana Cities
How Helena's water quality compares to similar cities in Montana:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helena | F | 288 | 5 | 36,935 |
| Kalispell | C | 12 | 5 | 34,065 |
| Butte | C | 40 | 2 | 33,090 |
| Divide | D | 0 | 1 | 33,000 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Helena
Water quality varies across Helena's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59602 | 37 | F | 36 | 11 |
| 59620 | 37 | F | 36 | 11 |
| 59623 | 37 | F | 36 | 11 |
| 59624 | 37 | F | 36 | 11 |
| 59625 | 37 | F | 36 | 11 |
| 59626 | 37 | F | 36 | 11 |
| 59601 | 42 | D | 36 | 11 |
| 59604 | 47 | D | 36 | 11 |
Common Questions About Helena Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Helena, Montana:
Is Helena water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Helena's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Helena tap water? Helena's water receives a grade of F (39/100). There are 88 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Helena? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Helena vs. Montana Average
Understanding how Helena 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 Helena.
ZIP Codes in Helena
Helena spans 8 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 59601. 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.