F0/100
Philipsburg Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 1,360 residents · Montana
What's In Philipsburg's Tap Water?
9
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 1.70 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.001 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
15
Violations (last 5yr)
12
Unresolved
15
Health-Related
TIER 2Unresolved
Violation related to Coliform (pre-2016 TCR)
When: October 1, 2025Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Violation related to Coliform (pre-2016 TCR)
When: September 1, 2025Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Violation related to Coliform (pre-2016 TCR)
When: August 1, 2025Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Violation related to Coliform (pre-2016 TCR)
When: July 1, 2025Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Resolved
Violation related to Coliform (pre-2016 TCR)
When: June 1, 2025Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Violation related to Coliform (pre-2016 TCR)
When: May 1, 2025Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Violation related to Coliform (pre-2016 TCR)
When: April 1, 2025Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: April 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underwayVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Violation related to Coliform (pre-2016 TCR)
When: March 1, 2025Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: January 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underwayVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underwayVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: April 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underwayVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: January 1, 2024 – March 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underwayVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: October 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underwayVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: July 1, 2023 – September 30, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underwayVerify on EPA.gov
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
PHILIPSBURG TOWN OF
Population Served
1,360
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
MT0000304
Frequently Asked Questions About Philipsburg Water
Is Philipsburg tap water safe to drink?
Philipsburg, Montana tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 74 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Philipsburg's water?
Of the 9 contaminants tested in Philipsburg'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 Philipsburg have any water quality violations?
Yes, Philipsburg has 74 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include TT, MCL, MON. 15 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Philipsburg?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Philipsburg 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 Philipsburg's tap water come from?
Philipsburg's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by PHILIPSBURG TOWN OF. The system serves approximately 1,360 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Philipsburg'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. Philipsburg'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 Philipsburg's water compare to other cities in Montana?
Philipsburg'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 Philipsburg's water quality?
If you have concerns about Philipsburg'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 (PHILIPSBURG TOWN 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.