Philipsburg, MT: 15 Health Violations — 33/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Philipsburg, MT water systems: poor compliance record, lower-tier safety grade.
How Philipsburg Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Philipsburg Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 15 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.001 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 56% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,800 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.17 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Philipsburg
A single utility carries the primary residential water load in Philipsburg, MT — the dominant provider across 1 federally tracked system.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Philipsburg, Montana, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,737 people.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 15 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Philipsburg: F (33/100)
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
Philipsburg water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0010 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)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| E. coli | Microbiological | 16 | 1 |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 14 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59858 | F | 15 | 15 | Philipsburg Town of |
All ZIP Codes in Philipsburg
- 59858 [F] — 15 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.
CDC Health Data for Philipsburg
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
Key Contaminants Detected in Philipsburg
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Old Is Philipsburg's Housing Stock?
With 56% 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
Decades of residential development in Philipsburg took place before the two main regulatory milestones that reduced plumbing-era lead risk: the phase-out of lead pipes before 1970, and the federal ban on lead solder in 1986. With a median build year of 1972, the housing stock here is anchored in that earlier period. The distinction between pre-1970 and 1970-to-1986 construction matters: the oldest homes may have lead pipes in the service line and lead solder in the copper joints, while the 1970-to-1986 tier still carries the solder risk even after lead pipes became less common. Together, these two risk layers affect a majority of the residential properties in the city — a fact the aggregate water quality data doesn't directly reveal.
Over half of homes in Philipsburg 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.
Philipsburg: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Remediation costs in Philipsburg are small relative to typical property values — the cost-to-value ratio here is favorable.
Remediation costs in Philipsburg are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,100–$3,000 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 18% above the Montana average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Philipsburg
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.
Wherever 56% of local housing was built before solder rules changed — as is the case in Philipsburg — a faucet-level sample closes the gap that aggregate utility data cannot.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Philipsburg
- 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 E. coli can reduce the most common contaminant found in Philipsburg's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 56% 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 Philipsburg, MT