F14/100

Virginia City Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)

Serving 1,500 residents · Montana

What's In Virginia City's Tap Water?

1
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals

EPA Violation History

13

Violations (last 5yr)

0

Unresolved

4

Health-Related

TIER 2Resolved

Failed treatment technique requirements

When: October 1, 2025 – October 31, 2025Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: July 1, 2025 – July 17, 2025Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved

Failed treatment technique requirements

When: March 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: November 1, 2024 – November 30, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: November 1, 2024 – November 30, 2024Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 1, 2024 – October 31, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2024 – July 31, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved

Failed treatment technique requirements

When: February 1, 2024 – February 29, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved

Failed treatment technique requirements

When: August 1, 2023 – August 31, 2023Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2023 – July 31, 2023Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: June 1, 2023 – June 30, 2023Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 1, 2022 – October 31, 2022Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
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

VIRGINIA CITY WATER DEPT
Population Served

1,500

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

MT0000353

Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia City Water

Is Virginia City tap water safe to drink?

Virginia City, Montana tap water receives a grade of F (14/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 46 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.

What contaminants are in Virginia City's water?

1 contaminants were tested in Virginia City's water supply. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs) or health goals (MCLGs), which is a positive indicator of water quality.

Does Virginia City have any water quality violations?

Yes, Virginia City has 46 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include TT, Other, MR. 10 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Virginia City?

Virginia City 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. All contaminants are within health goals.

Where does Virginia City's tap water come from?

Virginia City's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by VIRGINIA CITY WATER DEPT. The system serves approximately 1,500 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.

How often is Virginia City'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. Virginia City'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 Virginia City's water compare to other cities in Montana?

Virginia City's water quality score of 14/100 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 Virginia City's water quality?

If you have concerns about Virginia City'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 (VIRGINIA CITY WATER DEPT) 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.

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