Lavina, MT Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
For households across Lavina, below-average water safety data and recurring compliance violations documented by MT EPA records make it worthwhile to verify the specific system serving your address — system-level detail is the most actionable reference point available.
How Lavina Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Lavina Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 61% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.79 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Lavina
In Lavina, MT, the drinking water supply is organized under a single dominant utility — a consolidated structure that shapes how infrastructure investment, regulatory compliance, and rate decisions flow to households. When one provider handles the overwhelming share of residential connections out of 1 tracked system, accountability is clear: service upgrades, EPA violation responses, and tariff changes all funnel through that single organizational structure.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Lavina, Montana, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 510 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Lavina — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Lavina: D (53/100)
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
Lavina water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Lavina
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 59046 | D | RYEGATE TOWN OF | 270 |
All ZIP Codes in Lavina
- 59046 [D]
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.
CDC Health Data for Lavina
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
How Old Is Lavina's Housing Stock?
With 61% 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
Viewed through the lens of construction era, Lavina is predominantly an older city — a median build year of 1974 puts most of the residential inventory in the range where pre-1986 plumbing materials were the standard.
Over half of homes in Lavina 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.
Lavina: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Low proportionality — that's the Lavina picture when remediation costs are placed against typical home equity.
Remediation costs in Lavina are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 6% below the Montana average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Lavina
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.
Practically, the structural drivers in Lavina — 61% pre-rule stock and citywide monitoring at or beyond the regulatory benchmark — make an in-home draw the practical way to translate aggregate averages into the specific conditions at one address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Lavina
- 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. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 61% 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 Lavina, MT