F0/100
Harlem Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 2,100 residents · Montana
What's In Harlem'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) | 2.18 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.001 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
25
Violations (last 5yr)
19
Unresolved
24
Health-Related
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: July 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: April 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Treatment Technique Violation
When: April 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved
Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: January 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025Rule: Revised Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: January 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Treatment Technique Violation
When: January 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Treatment Technique Violation
When: October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: July 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Treatment Technique Violation
When: July 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: April 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Treatment Technique Violation
When: April 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Treatment Technique Violation
When: April 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Treatment Technique Violation
When: April 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: January 1, 2024 – March 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Treatment Technique Violation
When: January 1, 2024 – March 31, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Treatment Technique Violation
When: January 1, 2024 – March 31, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Treatment Technique Violation
When: January 1, 2024 – March 31, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: October 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: July 1, 2022 – September 30, 2022Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: April 1, 2022 – June 30, 2022Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: October 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Treatment Technique Violation
When: October 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Treatment Technique Violation
When: October 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: July 1, 2021 – September 30, 2021Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
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 BELKNAP AGENCY WATER SYSTEM
Population Served
2,100
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
083090041
Frequently Asked Questions About Harlem Water
Is Harlem tap water safe to drink?
Harlem, Montana tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 260 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Harlem's water?
Of the 2 contaminants tested in Harlem'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 Harlem have any water quality violations?
Yes, Harlem has 260 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MCL, TT, MR. 136 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Harlem?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Harlem 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 Harlem's tap water come from?
Harlem's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by FORT BELKNAP AGENCY WATER SYSTEM. The system serves approximately 2,100 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Harlem'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. Harlem'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 Harlem's water compare to other cities in Montana?
Harlem's water quality score of 0/100 earns a grade of F, which is considered failing. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our Montana state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Harlem's water quality?
If you have concerns about Harlem'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 BELKNAP AGENCY WATER SYSTEM) 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.