Lead Service Lines in Butte, MT

What you need to know

Butte has 40 water systems serving about 58,921 people. Right now, none of those systems have reported known lead service lines to state regulators—but that doesn't mean lead pipes aren't present. Many water systems, especially in older cities like Butte, simply haven't completed an inventory yet.

Lead service lines are pipes that connect your home to the water main under the street. If your home was built before the 1980s, there's a real possibility your service line contains lead. The EPA banned lead in new plumbing in 1986, but older pipes installed before that rule can still pose a risk—especially if your water is corrosive (acidic) or hasn't been treated to prevent corrosion.

The largest water system: Butte Silverbow Water Department

The Butte Silverbow Water Department serves about 33,000 people and is the main water utility in the area. They have not yet reported an inventory count of lead or galvanized service lines. You can contact them directly to ask:

• Whether they've completed a lead service line inventory
• If your specific address has a known lead service line
• What water treatment they use to minimize lead leaching

Smaller systems in the region—including Montana Technological University (3,200 people), Town Pump locations, and others—are also required to maintain inventories, though few have reported their findings publicly.

What happens next

Federal law now requires all water systems to create a complete inventory of service lines by 2026 and to identify which ones contain lead. Many systems are still in the early stages of this work. Until inventories are complete, the safest approach is to assume older homes may have lead service lines and take precautions.

If you're concerned about lead in your water:

• Get your water tested through your health department or a private lab (costs $20–$50).
• Use a water filter certified to reduce lead (look for NSF/ANSI 42 or 53 certification on faucet filters).
• Flush your tap before drinking or cooking: let cold water run for 30 seconds to several minutes if water hasn't been used for hours.
• Never use hot tap water for cooking or drinking—lead leaches faster in hot water.

Next steps for residents

• Contact Butte Silverbow Water Department to ask about lead service line inventory status and your address.
• Request a water test through your local health department.
• Install a certified lead-reducing water filter if you want extra protection while you wait for inventory results.
• If you're pregnant or have young children, consult your pediatrician about water safety precautions.

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```json [ { "q": "Does Butte have lead in the water?", "a": "Butte's water systems haven't reported known lead service lines yet, but inventories are still being completed. Lead pipes may exist, especially in homes built before the 1980s. Testing your tap water is the most direct way to know your risk." }, { "q": "How do I know if my house has a lead service line?", "a": "Contact your water utility (Butte Silverbow Water Department for most residents) and ask if your address is on their lead service line inventory. You can also have a plumber inspect the pipe where it enters your home, though it's sometimes buried." }, { "q": "Is it safe to drink tap water in Butte?", "a": "Butte's water systems are required to monitor and treat water to keep lead levels below EPA limits. However, if your service line or home plumbing contains lead, some lead may still enter your water. A water test or certified filter provides extra assurance." }, { "q": "What should I do if I'm worried about lead?", "a": "Test your water through your health