June 14, 2026

Columbia Falls, MT Water Quality Report 2026

By PureWaterGuys

EPA compliance testing (2012–2019) detected 8 regulated contaminants in this water system: DEHP (phthalate), Radium (combined), Lead + 5 more.

Unlock the full breakdown — detected levels vs. legal limits, plus what removes each one.

Full contaminant breakdown

EPA Six-Year Review compliance monitoring, 2012–2019 — the most recent national compliance dataset EPA has published. See the sections above for more recent violation and PFAS records.

ContaminantAvg. detectedHighest sampleFederal limitAvg. vs. limit
DEHP (phthalate)EPA health goal: zero 3.5 ppb 3.5 ppb 6 ppb 58%
Radium (combined)EPA health goal: zero 1.2 pCi/L 1.2 pCi/L 5 pCi/L 24%
LeadEPA health goal: zero 2.45 ppb 10 ppb 15 ppb (action level) 16%
Barium 167 ppb 210 ppb 2000 ppb 8%
Copper 103 ppb 250 ppb 1300 ppb (action level) 8%
Nitrate 617 ppb 690 ppb 10000 ppb 6%
Nitrate + nitrite 594 ppb 730 ppb 10000 ppb 6%
Fluoride 52 ppb 80 ppb 4000 ppb 1%

Also tested, no detections: 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, 1,1-Dichloroethylene, 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, 1,2-Dichloroethane, 1,2-Dichloropropane, 2,4,5-TP (Silvex), 2,4-D, Alachlor, Antimony, Arsenic, Asbestos, Atrazine, Benzene, Benzo(a)pyrene, Beryllium, Cadmium, Carbofuran, Carbon tetrachloride, Chlordane, Chlorobenzene, Chromium (total), Cyanide, DEHA (adipate), Dalapon, Dichloromethane, Dinoseb, Endrin, Ethylbenzene, Gross alpha radioactivity, Heptachlor, Heptachlor epoxide, Hexachlorobenzene, Hexachlorocyclopentadiene, Lindane, Mercury (inorganic), Methoxychlor, Nitrite, Oxamyl, Pentachlorophenol, Picloram, Selenium, Simazine, Styrene, Tetrachloroethylene (PCE), Thallium, Toluene, Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), Toxaphene, Trichloroethylene (TCE), Uranium, Vinyl chloride, Xylenes (total), cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene, o-Dichlorobenzene, p-Dichlorobenzene, trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene.

Reverse osmosis (drinking water)

The treatment category most often matched to dissolved contaminants like lead, arsenic, nitrate, fluoride, and radiological contaminants detected in this system.

Shop reverse osmosis →

Whole-house carbon filtration

The treatment category most often matched to disinfection byproducts (TTHMs, haloacetic acids), chlorine taste and odor, and organic compounds detected in this system.

Shop whole-house systems →

Source: U.S. EPA Six-Year Review 4 compliance monitoring data (2012–2019), the most recent nationwide compliance dataset EPA has released, reported at the water-system level. A detection is not a violation. “Avg. vs. limit” compares the average of laboratory detections to the federal MCL or action level; individual faucets can differ — household plumbing affects lead and copper, and a state-certified laboratory test of your own tap is the only way to confirm levels in your home. Treatment categories are general matches, not a certification claim for a specific product and contaminant.

Water Utility: City of Columbia Falls
Population Served: 4,450 residents
Data Sources: EPA SDWIS + EPA UCMR5
Report Year: 2026

Columbia Falls, Montana drinking water is supplied by City of Columbia Falls. All US public water systems must test drinking water and report results to the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act. This report summarizes health-based violations and PFAS detections recorded in federal databases to help you make informed decisions about home water filtration.

EPA Violation History

No health-based EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) violations on record since 2010 for this utility.

Should You Filter Your Columbia Falls Water?

Even utilities with no EPA violations may have contaminants present below legal limits but above health guidelines. The EPA sets maximum contaminant levels based on what is feasible and affordable to treat at scale -- not necessarily what carries zero health risk. Many independent health organizations recommend filtration for households with children, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals regardless of utility compliance status.

Protect Your Columbia Falls Home Water

PureWaterGuys.com carries filtration systems engineered to address the most common contaminants in US tap water. We ship to all Montana addresses with free expert guidance on the right system.

Shop Water Filtration Systems →Take the Water Quiz

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Columbia Falls tap water safe to drink?

City of Columbia Falls is required to meet EPA federal drinking water standards. However, meeting legal standards is not the same as being contaminant-free. Trace levels of disinfection byproducts, PFAS compounds, and other regulated contaminants are common in US municipal water systems.

Does Columbia Falls water have PFAS?

PFAS monitoring data for this utility may not yet be published in EPA databases. We recommend a reverse osmosis system for maximum protection regardless of local results.

What water filter works best for Columbia Falls?

A whole-house carbon block filter removes chlorine, chloramines, and many VOCs. For PFAS, arsenic, and nitrates, a reverse osmosis under-sink system provides the highest reduction rates. Take our free 2-minute quiz to find the right system for your home and budget.

Data sourced from EPA SDWIS and UCMR5 federal databases. PureWaterGuys.com is not affiliated with any municipal water utility. Contact your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for complete local data.

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