Water Quality in Heron, MT: 1 Violation — Grade C
Grade C · Score 66/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Heron'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
Water systems in Heron, MT have accumulated 1 EPA violation across the full compliance record — a dataset that captures reportable health-based exceedances, monitoring lapses, and enforcement actions filed with the federal Safe Drinking Water Information System.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Heron
Water quality varies across Heron's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59844 | C | 66 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Heron, Montana receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 66 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 2 water systems serving Heron have accumulated 1 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 154 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Heron'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 Heron water systems is 0.0020 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 48% of homes built before 1986, Heron 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
Heron 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 Heron
Heron is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 154 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 5 enforcement actions against water systems serving Heron. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Heron
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 Heron Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Heron's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gross Alpha | Radionuclides | 15 pCi/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 5 enforcement actions against water systems serving Heron. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2021-07-14 | State Informal Action |
| 2021-07-14 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2021-06-14 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-01-25 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-01-07 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2021-07-14.
Heron vs. Nearby Montana Cities
How Heron's water quality compares to similar cities in Montana:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heron | C | 1 | 2 | 154 |
| Gildford | C | 1 | 2 | 150 |
| Lambert | D | 10 | 1 | 150 |
| Melville | C | 0 | 1 | 150 |
Common Questions About Heron Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Heron, Montana:
Is Heron water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Heron's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Heron tap water? Heron's water receives a grade of C (66/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Heron? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Heron vs. Montana Average
Understanding how Heron 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 Heron.
ZIP Codes in Heron
Heron spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 59844. 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.