F0/100
BUTTE SILVERBOW WATER DEPT — Water Quality Report 2026
Serving 33,000 people · Montana
Water Source
Surface Water
County
—
System ID
MT0000170
Violations
88
Contaminant Test Results
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 1.50 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.002 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
3
Violations (last 5yr)
1
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Unresolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
TIER 3Resolved
Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: January 1, 2024 – March 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: January 1, 2024 – March 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: 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
Frequently Asked Questions About BUTTE SILVERBOW WATER DEPT
Is BUTTE SILVERBOW WATER DEPT water safe to drink?
BUTTE SILVERBOW WATER DEPT water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits and 88 violation(s) are on record. Customers may want to consider using a water filter.
What contaminants has BUTTE SILVERBOW WATER DEPT detected?
70 contaminants were tested in BUTTE SILVERBOW WATER DEPT's water. Notable contaminants include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile). 1 exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs).
Does BUTTE SILVERBOW WATER DEPT have any EPA violations?
Yes, BUTTE SILVERBOW WATER DEPT has 88 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, MR, TT. 4 are health-based violations.
How many people does BUTTE SILVERBOW WATER DEPT serve?
BUTTE SILVERBOW WATER DEPT serves approximately 33,000 people, Montana. The system provides water to 1 community: Butte.
What type of water does BUTTE SILVERBOW WATER DEPT provide?
BUTTE SILVERBOW WATER DEPT sources its water from surface water. Surface water comes from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs and typically requires more extensive treatment. The utility's system ID is MT0000170.
How does BUTTE SILVERBOW WATER DEPT compare to other utilities in Montana?
BUTTE SILVERBOW WATER DEPT scores 0/100 with a grade of F (failing). This score suggests significant water quality concerns relative to other utilities. Visit our Montana state page for a full comparison of water systems.