C58/100
DRY PRAIRIE RURAL WATER AUTHORITY — Water Quality Report 2026
Serving 3,005 people · Montana
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
County
—
System ID
MT0004348
Violations
11
Contaminant Test Results
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 1.35 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.003 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
3
Violations (last 5yr)
1
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Unresolved
Failed to issue ongoing public notification
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: October 1, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
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 – December 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 – December 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 DRY PRAIRIE RURAL WATER AUTHORITY
Is DRY PRAIRIE RURAL WATER AUTHORITY water safe to drink?
DRY PRAIRIE RURAL WATER AUTHORITY water receives a grade of C (58/100), which is considered fair. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits and 11 violation(s) are on record. Customers may want to consider using a water filter.
What contaminants has DRY PRAIRIE RURAL WATER AUTHORITY detected?
2 contaminants were tested in DRY PRAIRIE RURAL WATER AUTHORITY's water. Notable contaminants include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile). 1 exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs).
Does DRY PRAIRIE RURAL WATER AUTHORITY have any EPA violations?
Yes, DRY PRAIRIE RURAL WATER AUTHORITY has 11 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include MR, MCL. 5 are health-based violations.
How many people does DRY PRAIRIE RURAL WATER AUTHORITY serve?
DRY PRAIRIE RURAL WATER AUTHORITY serves approximately 3,005 people, Montana. The system provides water to 1 community: Culbertson.
What type of water does DRY PRAIRIE RURAL WATER AUTHORITY provide?
DRY PRAIRIE RURAL WATER AUTHORITY sources its water from purchased surface water. Surface water comes from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs and typically requires more extensive treatment. The utility's system ID is MT0004348.
How does DRY PRAIRIE RURAL WATER AUTHORITY compare to other utilities in Montana?
DRY PRAIRIE RURAL WATER AUTHORITY scores 58/100 with a grade of C (fair). This score indicates room for improvement compared to other utilities. Visit our Montana state page for a full comparison of water systems.