Kalispell, MT: 12 Violations — 63/100 (2026)
3 ZIP codes · 11 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Kalispell shows moderate tap water quality for MT — some areas carry documented EPA violations while others meet standards without issues.
How Kalispell Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Kalispell Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 12 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.002 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $2,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.11 — above typical levels.
Kalispell's Water Providers
Water supply in Kalispell, MT follows a divided structure: 3 utilities account for the largest share of residential service out of 11 total systems, each managing its own distribution network and EPA reporting. Because these systems operate independently, rate decisions and compliance outcomes are determined separately.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 3 ZIP codes in Kalispell, Montana, covering 11 community water systems serving approximately 61,710 people.
3 of 3 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Kalispell: C (63/100)
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
Kalispell water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0020 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 3 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 8 | 3 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 4 | 3 |
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 4 | 3 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59901 | C | 4 | 0 | Kalispell Public Works |
| 59903 | C | 4 | 0 | Kalispell Public Works |
| 59904 | C | 4 | 0 | Kalispell Public Works |
All ZIP Codes in Kalispell
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.
Kalispell Community Health Snapshot
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
What's in Kalispell's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Kalispell
In Kalispell, property values comfortably outpace what documented remediation typically costs — the equity share is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in Kalispell are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,467–$2,900 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 41% above the Montana average.
Kalispell: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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.
Lead risk in Kalispell appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Kalispell: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Although Kalispell's flood history doesn't reach high-severity thresholds, NFIP data documents 48 claims and FEMA maps place 33% of ZIP codes in designated flood zones — a combined profile that makes flood-related water quality considerations a reasonable planning baseline.
Kalispell has a moderate flood history with 48 FEMA claims averaging $2,504 per payout. 33% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
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>$2,200</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Kalispell
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. Filters rated for Stage 1 DBP Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Kalispell's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Kalispell, MT