B63/100
Bozeman Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 62,543 residents · Montana
What's In Bozeman's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.002 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2013.
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
BOZEMAN CITY OF
Population Served
56,000
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
MT0000161
RAE WATER AND SEWER DIST 313
Population Served
2,220
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
MT0000628
NORTH STAR ZOOT WATER
Population Served
4,323
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
MT0004284
Frequently Asked Questions About Bozeman Water
Is Bozeman tap water safe to drink?
Bozeman, Montana tap water receives a grade of B (63/100), which is considered good. Out of 70 contaminants tested, 1 exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 2 exceed health guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in Bozeman's water?
Of the 70 contaminants tested in Bozeman'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 Bozeman have any water quality violations?
Yes, Bozeman has 68 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2023. Violation types include MON, MR, MCL. 6 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Bozeman?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Bozeman 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 Bozeman's tap water come from?
Bozeman's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by BOZEMAN CITY OF and 2 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 62,543 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Bozeman'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. Bozeman'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 Bozeman's water compare to other cities in Montana?
Bozeman's water quality score of 63/100 earns a grade of B, which is considered good. This is an above-average score compared to many cities nationwide. Visit our Montana state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Bozeman's water quality?
If you have concerns about Bozeman'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 (BOZEMAN 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.