Hinsdale, MT: Lead Above EPA Limits — 41/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Monitoring data across Hinsdale reveals a persistent pattern of below-average compliance in MT — multiple service areas carry documented health violations, and the data has shown little overall improvement over recent EPA reporting cycles.
How Hinsdale Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Hinsdale Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 4 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.029 mg/L — exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 88% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $7,980 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.98 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Hinsdale
As of current federal records, Hinsdale, MT is served primarily by one water utility among 1 tracked system. That single provider handles infrastructure investment, rate adjustments, and regulatory reporting under EPA oversight.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Hinsdale, Montana, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 468 people.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 1 health-based violation documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Hinsdale: D (41/100)
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
Hinsdale water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0290 mg/L (exceeds EPA action level) (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 1 ZIP code 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 6 | 1 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59241 | D | 4 | 1 | Hinsdale Water Department |
All ZIP Codes in Hinsdale
- 59241 [D] — 4 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.
Health Outcomes in Hinsdale
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
Top Contaminants in Hinsdale Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Housing & Infrastructure in Hinsdale
With 88% 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
Lead solder was standard in copper plumbing until federally banned in 1986; lead pipes were common in service lines pre-1970. Hinsdale's median build year of 1952 reflects a housing stock where these older materials are a pervasive feature — not a rare legacy — of the residential plumbing landscape.
Over half of homes in Hinsdale 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.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Hinsdale Homeowners
In Hinsdale, the equity impact of remediation sits at the elevated end of the scale — the cost-to-value ratio is high enough that most homeowners are weighing a genuine financial decision, one where planning and scope prioritization are practical tools rather than optional considerations, and early documentation of what needs addressing determines the shape of the commitment.
At 6.7% of home value, remediation costs in Hinsdale represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $5,270–$10,940. Home values here are 60% below the Montana average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Hinsdale
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.
88% of Hinsdale housing dates from the era before federal rules removed lead-bearing solder from new construction, and aggregate sampling has moved past the regulatory threshold. The two indicators together place tap-water testing and a certified filter at a household-tier priority.
<strong>1 ZIP code</strong> (100% of the city) exceeds the EPA lead action level of 0.015 mg/L.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Hinsdale
Flood risk in Hinsdale sits in a low-exposure range — NFIP claim volume is contained and FEMA flood zones cover a small portion of the area. For residents monitoring water quality, low flood frequency generally correlates with lower probability of the contamination events that flooding can introduce: overwhelmed treatment intake, well infiltration, and distribution backflow all require significant event size to materialize.
Hinsdale has a relatively low flood history with 6 FEMA claims on record. While risk is limited, severe weather events can still impact water infrastructure.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$7,980</strong> remediation cost per household.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Hinsdale
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. Lead testing is especially recommended given the area's lead levels.
- Install a certified water filter. Filters rated for Consumer Confidence Report Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Hinsdale's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 88% 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 Hinsdale, MT