B67/100
Fort Benton Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 1,500 residents · Montana
What's In Fort Benton'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) | 1.61 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.002 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
1
Violation (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2021 – July 26, 2021Enforcement: 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
FORT BENTON CITY OF
Population Served
1,500
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
MT0000216
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Benton Water
Is Fort Benton tap water safe to drink?
Fort Benton, Montana tap water receives a grade of B (67/100), which is considered good. Out of 2 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 Fort Benton's water?
Of the 2 contaminants tested in Fort Benton'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 Fort Benton have any water quality violations?
Yes, Fort Benton has 22 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2021. Violation types include Other, MR, MON. None of these are classified as health-based violations.
Do I need a water filter in Fort Benton?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Fort Benton 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 Fort Benton's tap water come from?
Fort Benton's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by FORT BENTON CITY OF. The system serves approximately 1,500 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Fort Benton'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. Fort Benton'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 Fort Benton's water compare to other cities in Montana?
Fort Benton's water quality score of 67/100 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 Fort Benton's water quality?
If you have concerns about Fort Benton'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 (FORT BENTON 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.