C48/100
Kalispell Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 32,775 residents · Montana
What's In Kalispell's Tap Water?
66
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
2
Above EPA Goals
3 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
PFOS | 0.007 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
chlorate | 790.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
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 2020.
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
KALISPELL PUBLIC WORKS
Population Served
25,000
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
MT0000259
FLATHEAD COUNTY WATER AND SEWER
Population Served
7,775
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
MT0001744
Frequently Asked Questions About Kalispell Water
Is Kalispell tap water safe to drink?
Kalispell, Montana tap water receives a grade of C (48/100), which is considered fair. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 79 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Kalispell's water?
Of the 66 contaminants tested in Kalispell's water supply, the most notable include PFOS, Lead (90th percentile), chlorate. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Kalispell have any water quality violations?
Yes, Kalispell has 79 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include MR, Other, MCL. 2 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Kalispell?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Kalispell 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 Kalispell's tap water come from?
Kalispell's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by KALISPELL PUBLIC WORKS and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 32,775 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Kalispell'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. Kalispell'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 Kalispell's water compare to other cities in Montana?
Kalispell's water quality score of 48/100 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 Kalispell's water quality?
If you have concerns about Kalispell'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 (KALISPELL PUBLIC WORKS) 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.