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Billings, MT · 142,591 people served · EPA data 2021–2026

Tap water quality in Billings, Montana

Billings's water systems logged 15 health-based EPA violations in 2021–2026, most recently in 2025 — most often nitrate-nitrite. Health-based violations mean a federal limit or treatment standard was exceeded; check the systems below and your utility's annual report for specifics.

CFair
Billings water grade: C
Fair — our A–F grade from this city's EPA compliance record, relative to Montana and the nation. How we grade →
Health-based violations, 2021–202615
Nitrate-Nitrite12
Lead And Copper Rule2
Groundwater Rule1
Billings City Of114,000 served
Billings Heights Co Water Dist Of12,000 served
Lockwood Water And Sewer District5,900 served
Pioneer Water Service900 served
Montana quality rank#30 / 51 (82.4/100)
Montana avg hardness95 PPM (moderately hard)
Want to know what's actually in your Billings water?

Averages describe states, not your faucet. A certified home water test screens for lead, nitrates, bacteria and dozens of other contaminants — the same categories EPA regulates.

Test your water at home

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Billings tap water FAQ

Is tap water safe to drink in Billings?

Billings's systems logged 15 health-based violations in 2021–2026, most commonly nitrate-nitrite. A violation is a red flag for a period of time, not a permanent condition — your utility's current Consumer Confidence Report shows today's status, and a certified home test shows what's at your tap.

Who supplies Billings's water?

Billings City Of (serving about 114,000 people); Billings Heights Co Water Dist Of (serving about 12,000 people); Lockwood Water And Sewer District (serving about 5,900 people); Pioneer Water Service (serving about 900 people). Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System, July 2026.

How hard is the water in Billings?

City-level hardness isn't published in a single federal dataset, but Montana averages 95 PPM — "moderately hard" on the USGS scale. Your utility's water quality report lists Billings's exact hardness, or a $10 test strip tells you in a minute. If it comes back over 120 PPM, see our water softener guidance in the purification calculator.

Do I need a water filter in Billings?

With 15 health-based violations on record in 2021–2026, a certified filter is reasonable insurance here: reverse osmosis ($150–$1,300 installed, Angi 2026) covers lead, nitrates and PFAS at the tap. Test first ($50–$200) so you buy for what's actually present.

Want to know what's actually in your Billings water?

Averages describe states, not your faucet. A certified home water test screens for lead, nitrates, bacteria and dozens of other contaminants — the same categories EPA regulates.

Test your water at home

We may earn a commission if you request quotes through this link. It costs you nothing and never affects the data we publish.