Helena Tap Water Quality: Safety, Hardness & Lead - 2026

Is Helena Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Helena tap water has some quality concerns but remains within acceptable limits.

EPA Violations — 3 health-based EPA violations in the past 3 years across 44 water systems. Plus 109 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 (2.71 ppb) is at 18% of the EPA action level of 15 ppb.

The data below shows test results from 44 water utilities serving 44K people in the Helena 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 hard water (147 ppm), a water softener can reduce scale buildup in pipes, appliances, and water heaters.

How Hard is Helena Water?

SoftVery Hard

060120180300+

147 ppm

8.6 grains per gallon

Hard

Hard water can cause scale buildup in pipes and appliances. A water softener may be beneficial.

Impact on Your Home

Shower

May dry out skin & hair

Kitchen

Spots on dishes

Laundry

Clothes may feel stiff

Appliances

Scale buildup

Regional Comparison

Helena

147

Montana

165

US Average

100

Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)

Do I Need a Water Softener?

At 147 ppm, Helena has hard water. You may notice white spots on dishes, dry skin after showering, and mineral buildup on fixtures. A water softener can help reduce these effects. Hard water is generally not a health concern according to the WHO.

Want to verify your home's exact hardness level? See our best water hardness test kits.

Based on 199 water samples from Lewis and Clark 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 Helena tap water.

Test Your Water See top-rated kits →

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 Helena

Lead Test Results

90th Percentile Lead Level

2.71 ppb

Below EPA Action Level

0EPA Limit (15)30+

Helena 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

Children

According to the CDC: developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues

Adults

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 detected

Consider using a certified water filter until violations are resolved. Contact your utility for updates on corrective actions.

3-Year Violation Summary

112

Total Violations

Health-Related

109

Administrative

Active violations pending resolution

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.

View Full EPA Compliance Report for Helena

Who Provides Helena's Water?

Utility Name

HELENA WATER SYSTEM

EPA System ID (PWSID)

MT0000241

Primary Water Source

Groundwater

Population Served

44K

View Full EPA Report

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Helena tap water quality

Helena tap water has some quality concerns but remains within current EPA limits. You may want to consider using a water filter, especially for drinking water. Check the detailed report for specific contaminant levels.

Helena has hard water with a hardness of 147 ppm (8.6 grains per gallon). Hard water can cause scale buildup in pipes and appliances. A water softener may be beneficial.

Lead levels (2.71 ppb) are below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.

Helena's tap water is provided by HELENA WATER SYSTEM. The EPA system ID (PWSID) is MT0000241. The primary water source is Groundwater. You can find official water quality reports and contact information through your local utility.

With hard water (147 ppm), a water softener can reduce scale buildup in pipes, appliances, and water heaters.

Helena's water utility has had 112 violations in the past 3 years. Of these, 3 were health-based and 109 were monitoring/reporting related.

Helena's water utility uses chlorine or chloramine to disinfect the water supply. This is a standard practice required by the EPA to prevent waterborne illness. The taste is usually more noticeable in warm weather or near treatment facilities. To reduce chlorine taste, let water sit in an open pitcher for 30 minutes, use a refrigerator filter, or install a carbon filter on your tap.

Helena's tap water primarily comes from groundwater sources. The water undergoes treatment at local facilities before being distributed through the municipal water system. The water is provided by HELENA WATER SYSTEM.

Nearby Cities in Montana

Billings

Very Hard water

Missoula

Moderate water

Great Falls

Hard water

Bozeman