C53/100
Browning Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 6,175 residents · Montana
What's In Browning's Tap Water?
31
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
3
Violations (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: October 1, 2023 – December 6, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2022 – April 4, 2024Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Monitoring / Reporting Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: December 30, 2021 – September 15, 2022Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
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
TWO MEDICINE WATER - EAST GLACIER
Population Served
1,504
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
083090090
TOWN OF BROWNING
Population Served
4,671
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
083090091
Frequently Asked Questions About Browning Water
Is Browning tap water safe to drink?
Browning, Montana tap water receives a grade of C (53/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 60 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Browning's water?
Of the 31 contaminants tested in Browning's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Browning have any water quality violations?
Yes, Browning has 60 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2023. Violation types include Other, TT, MR. 7 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Browning?
Browning water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Browning's tap water come from?
Browning's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by TWO MEDICINE WATER - EAST GLACIER and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 6,175 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Browning'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. Browning'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 Browning's water compare to other cities in Montana?
Browning's water quality score of 53/100 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 Browning's water quality?
If you have concerns about Browning'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 (TWO MEDICINE WATER - EAST GLACIER) 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.