How much lead is in Great Falls water?

The maximum detected level of lead in Great Falls water is 12 ppb. The EPA limit is 15 ppb (action level). See the ZIP code table above for area-specific levels.

Detected Lead

Lead in Great Falls, MT Drinking Water

Q: Is lead in Great Falls water safe?

Lead was detected in Great Falls water at 12 ppb, below the EPA limit of 15 ppb (action level). Check ZIP-level data on this page for your specific area.

Lead data for Great Falls, Montana · 75,786 residents · 3 ZIP codes

ZipCheckup's reading of Lead in Great Falls, Montana: the highest detected level is 12 ppb; the EPA limit is 15 ppb (action level). Lead carries a high health-risk designation.

EPA records show Lead detections in Great Falls, Montana water samples.

12 ppb

Max Level Detected

12 ppb

Average Level

15 ppb (action level)

EPA action level

High

Health Risk

Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53 Carbon Block

Best Filter Method

Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO

Lead in Great Falls Tap Water

Lead has been detected in Great Falls, Montana drinking water at a normalized maximum level of 12 ppb - below the EPA action level of 15 ppb (action level).

This analysis covers 75,786 residents across 3 ZIP codes in Great Falls.

Is Lead in Great Falls Water Safe?

Lead was detected in Great Falls water but currently falls within EPA limits. However, some health organizations argue the EPA action level may not be protective enough — the CDC states there is no safe level of lead for children.

If you are concerned, a reverse osmosis or nsf 53 carbon block filter can reduce lead levels further.

Lead Levels by ZIP Code

ZIP Code	Lead Level	EPA Limit	Status
59401	12 ppb	15 ppb (action level)	OK
59404	12 ppb	15 ppb (action level)	OK
59405	12 ppb	15 ppb (action level)	OK

Average lead level across Great Falls: 12 ppb

Health Effects of Lead

Brain development delays and reduced IQ in children
Behavioral problems and learning disabilities
High blood pressure and kidney damage in adults
Increased risk of premature birth in pregnant women

Health risk severity: High. Governed by the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR/LCRI).

How Lead Gets Into Drinking Water

Corrosion of lead service lines (pipes connecting water main to home)
Lead solder in copper plumbing joints (pre-1986 homes)
Brass fixtures and faucets manufactured before 2014
Stagnant water that sits in lead-containing pipes overnight

What to Do About Lead in Great Falls Water

Install an NSF 53 or NSF 58 certified filter at kitchen sink
Run cold water for 30 seconds before using for drinking or cooking
Use cold water only for cooking and preparing formula
Consider whole-home reverse osmosis if lead service line is present

Look for filters certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 for lead removal.

Home → Contaminants → Lead → Montana → Great Falls

How to cite this page

APA ZipCheckup. (2026). Lead in Great Falls, MT Drinking Water. https://zipcheckup.com/contaminants/lead/great-falls-mt/

BibTeX

@misc{zipcheckup-contaminants-lead-great-falls-mt,
  author = {{ZipCheckup}},
  title  = {{Lead in Great Falls, MT Drinking Water}},
  year   = {2026},
  url    = {https://zipcheckup.com/contaminants/lead/great-falls-mt/}
}

Page version: August 2026.