Billings Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Billings tap water has some quality concerns you should be aware of. At 246 ppm (14.4 gpg), the water is quite hard — you may notice mineral buildup on fixtures. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. There have been 120 violations recorded over the past 3 years.
Some Concerns
Monitor recommended
14.4 GPG hardness
Lead
Below EPA action level
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Hardness
Very Hard water
US Average: 100 ppm
Is Billings Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Billings tap water has some quality concerns but remains within acceptable limits.
EPA Violations — 52 health-based EPA violations in the past 3 years across 44 water systems. Plus 68 monitoring/reporting violations.
Health-based violations mean the water exceeded a federal maximum contaminant level. This is more serious than administrative violations.
→ Consider testing your water at home and using a certified water filter until violations are resolved.
Lead — Lead (4.51 ppb) is at 30% of the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
The data below shows test results from 44 water utilities serving 142K people in the Billings area.
Based on publicly available data from EPA Water Quality Portal (Various). Water quality can vary by location, building plumbing, and over time. This assessment reflects compliance with federal EPA standards and is not medical advice.
Do I Need a Water Filter?
With very hard water (246 ppm), a water softener can reduce scale buildup in pipes, appliances, and water heaters.
How Hard is Billings Water?
246 ppm
14.4 grains per gallon
Very hard water causes significant mineral buildup. A water softener is recommended.
Impact on Your Home
Shower
Dries out skin & hair
Kitchen
Heavy mineral deposits
Laundry
Stiff, dingy clothes
Appliances
Significant scale
Regional Comparison
Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)
Do I Need a Water Softener?
At 246 ppm, Billings has very hard water. A water softener can help prevent scale buildup in water heaters, dishwashers, and pipes. According to the Water Quality Research Foundation, hard water can reduce appliance efficiency and increase energy costs. A whole-house water softener or salt-free conditioner can help.
Based on 169 water samples from Yellowstone County
Your pipes tell a different story
The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Billings tap water.
Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.
Lead & Contaminants
Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Billings
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
4.51 ppb
Billings lead levels are well below the EPA action level.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2027-12-31
About Lead in Drinking Water
What is Lead in Water?
According to the EPA, lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb and states there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
According to the CDC: developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
According to the EPA: high blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues
How to Reduce Exposure
- •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
- •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
- •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
- •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986
EPA Compliance History
Action Recommended
Active health-based violations detectedConsider using a certified water filter until violations are resolved. Contact your utility for updates on corrective actions.
3-Year Violation Summary
120
Total Violations
52
Health-Related
68
Administrative
Health-Related Violations
Contaminant exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels. The EPA recommends considering certified filtration.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides Billings's Water?
Utility Name
BILLINGS CITY OF
EPA System ID (PWSID)
MT0000153
Primary Water Source
Groundwater
Population Served
142K
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Billings tap water quality
Nearby Cities in Montana
Missoula
Moderate water
Great Falls
Hard water
Bozeman
Hard water
Helena
Hard water
Kalispell
Moderate water
Butte
Very Hard water
This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology
Data source: EPA Water Quality Portal (environmental samples, not verified tap water)