C44/100
Big Timber Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 1,650 residents · Montana
What's In Big Timber's Tap Water?
2
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 1.49 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.003 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2014.
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
BIG TIMBER CITY OF
Population Served
1,650
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
MT0000463
Frequently Asked Questions About Big Timber Water
Is Big Timber tap water safe to drink?
Big Timber, Montana tap water receives a grade of C (44/100), which is considered fair. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 37 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Big Timber's water?
Of the 2 contaminants tested in Big Timber's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Big Timber have any water quality violations?
Yes, Big Timber has 37 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2014. Violation types include TT, Other, MR. 2 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Big Timber?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Big Timber is recommended. 1 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does Big Timber's tap water come from?
Big Timber's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by BIG TIMBER CITY OF. The system serves approximately 1,650 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Big Timber's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Big Timber's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Big Timber's water compare to other cities in Montana?
Big Timber's water quality score of 44/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our Montana state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Big Timber's water quality?
If you have concerns about Big Timber's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (BIG TIMBER CITY OF) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.