2026 Rankings

Least Reliable Water Systems in Montana — 2026

Last updated: April 13, 2026

405 ZIP codes ranked by Reliability Score #1: ZIP 59038 (Hysham, MT) - 10/100

Out of 405 ZIP codes with data in Montana, these are the lowest-ranked areas for reliability score. See also: National Least Reliable Water Systems in America | All Montana Rankings

Statistic Value
ZIP codes ranked 405
Lowest value 10/100
Median value 74/100
State Montana

100 Lowest-Ranked ZIP Codes

Rank ZIP Code City State Reliability Score Safety Score
1 59038 Hysham MT 10/100 56/100
2 59430 Denton MT 10/100 45/100
3 59542 Turner MT 10/100 22/100
4 59457 Lewistown MT 15/100 40/100
5 59526 Harlem MT 15/100 40/100
6 59759 Whitehall MT 15/100 45/100
7 59858 Philipsburg MT 15/100 33/100
8 59648 Wolf Creek MT 20/100 34/100
9 59523 Chinook MT 23/100 49/100
10 59086 Wilsall MT 24/100 62/100
11 59003 Ashland MT 25/100 33/100
12 59004 Ashland MT 25/100 33/100
13 59035 Fort Smith MT 25/100 33/100
14 59270 Sidney MT 25/100 45/100
15 59501 Havre MT 25/100 44/100
16 59601 Helena MT 25/100 42/100
17 59602 Helena MT 25/100 37/100
18 59604 Helena MT 25/100 47/100
19 59620 Helena MT 25/100 37/100
20 59623 Helena MT 25/100 37/100
21 59624 Helena MT 25/100 37/100
22 59625 Helena MT 25/100 37/100
23 59626 Helena MT 25/100 37/100
24 59301 Miles City MT 36/100 54/100
25 59416 Brady MT 36/100 55/100
26 59524 Dodson MT 37/100 69/100
27 59034 Hardin MT 40/100 56/100
28 59230 Glasgow MT 40/100 39/100
29 59634 Clancy MT 40/100 52/100
30 59425 Conrad MT 41/100 55/100
31 59522 Chester MT 41/100 64/100
32 59472 Sand Coulee MT 42/100 69/100
33 59029 Fromberg MT 44/100 68/100
34 59222 Flaxville MT 45/100 56/100
35 59248 Nashua MT 45/100 43/100
36 59337 Jordan MT 45/100 56/100
37 59714 Belgrade MT 45/100 56/100
38 59353 Wibaux MT 47/100 69/100
39 59433 Dutton MT 47/100 65/100
40 59446 Geraldine MT 47/100 65/100
41 59450 Highwood MT 47/100 65/100
42 59484 Sweet Grass MT 47/100 28/100
43 59755 Virginia City MT 48/100 61/100
44 59087 Winnett MT 50/100 71/100
45 59211 Antelope MT 50/100 60/100
46 59411 Babb MT 50/100 61/100
47 59645 White Sulphur Springs MT 50/100 62/100
48 59756 Warm Springs MT 50/100 54/100
49 59859 Plains MT 50/100 68/100
50 59241 Hinsdale MT 52/100 41/100
51 59489 Winifred MT 52/100 65/100
52 59829 Darby MT 52/100 66/100
53 59323 Colstrip MT 54/100 65/100
54 59474 Shelby MT 54/100 64/100
55 59032 Grass Range MT 55/100 67/100
56 59050 Lodge Grass MT 55/100 67/100
57 59053 Martinsdale MT 55/100 64/100
58 59054 Melstone MT 55/100 80/100
59 59079 Shepherd MT 55/100 77/100
60 59243 Lambert MT 55/100 49/100
61 59410 Augusta MT 55/100 68/100
62 59419 Bynum MT 55/100 62/100
63 59442 Fort Benton MT 55/100 61/100
64 59456 Ledger MT 55/100 52/100
65 59464 Moore MT 55/100 63/100
66 59471 Roy MT 55/100 63/100
67 59639 Lincoln MT 55/100 61/100
68 59722 Deer Lodge MT 55/100 58/100
69 59824 Charlo MT 55/100 52/100
70 59913 Coram MT 55/100 63/100
71 59635 East Helena MT 57/100 69/100
72 59263 Scobey MT 58/100 51/100
73 59936 West Glacier MT 58/100 56/100
74 59074 Ryegate MT 59/100 81/100
75 59482 Sunburst MT 59/100 64/100
76 59019 Columbus MT 60/100 59/100
77 59041 Joliet MT 60/100 61/100
78 59101 Billings MT 60/100 65/100
79 59102 Billings MT 60/100 70/100
80 59103 Billings MT 60/100 73/100
81 59104 Billings MT 60/100 75/100
82 59105 Billings MT 60/100 70/100
83 59106 Billings MT 60/100 70/100
84 59107 Billings MT 60/100 73/100
85 59108 Billings MT 60/100 73/100
86 59111 Billings MT 60/100 73/100
87 59112 Billings MT 60/100 73/100
88 59114 Billings MT 60/100 73/100
89 59115 Billings MT 60/100 73/100
90 59116 Billings MT 60/100 73/100
91 59117 Billings MT 60/100 73/100
92 59218 Culbertson MT 60/100 68/100
93 59221 Fairview MT 60/100 68/100
94 59427 Cut Bank MT 60/100 64/100
95 59537 Loring MT 60/100 55/100
96 59758 West Yellowstone MT 60/100 67/100
97 59853 Noxon MT 60/100 66/100
98 59874 Trout Creek MT 60/100 62/100
99 59912 Columbia Falls MT 60/100 63/100
100 59932 Somers MT 60/100 63/100

Methodology

Water system reliability scores (0-100) combine violation frequency, violation recency, resolution rate, and system size. Systems with repeated health-based violations and unresolved issues score lowest. The reliability score focuses specifically on the water utility performance, distinct from the broader Home Safety Score.

Data sources: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), FEMA National Flood Insurance Program, EPA radon zone maps, EIA electricity rates, and Consumer Confidence Reports. Last updated: 2026-04-13.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a low water reliability score mean?

A low reliability score (below 50) indicates a water system with frequent violations, poor resolution rates, or recurring compliance issues. These systems may have aging infrastructure, inadequate treatment, or management challenges.

How is reliability different from safety score?

The reliability score focuses specifically on the water utility performance (violations, resolution, compliance). The Home Safety Score is broader, also including lead risk, radon, and flood data. A ZIP code can have a reliable water system but still have high radon or flood risk.

Explore More Rankings

How this ranking is calculated, data sources, and limitations: Rankings Methodology →


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Disclaimer: Rankings are based on EPA, FEMA, and federal agency data. They reflect historical patterns and risk indicators, not necessarily current conditions. For the most current information, contact your local water utility or request a Consumer Confidence Report.

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