Lead Service Lines in Great Falls, MT
Great Falls serves about 78,000 people through 44 separate water systems. The largest is the City of Great Falls, which delivers water to roughly 60,000 residents.
What we know about lead in Great Falls
Lead service lines—the pipes that connect the water main in the street to your home—are a real concern in older cities across the US. They were commonly installed before the 1980s and can leach lead into drinking water, especially if water is corrosive or hasn't sat in pipes for a while.
In Great Falls, no confirmed lead service lines have been reported in the available inventory data. That's good news. However, this doesn't mean lead isn't present—it often means inventories are still incomplete. Water utilities nationwide are still mapping their pipe networks, a process required by the EPA.
What this means for your home
If your home was built before 1980, there's a higher chance you have a lead service line. The only way to know is to ask your water utility directly or have a plumber inspect the pipes entering your home.
Even if you have a lead line, the risk depends on water chemistry and age of the line. Some homes with lead service lines have low lead levels; others don't. The City of Great Falls and other local systems should have information about water treatment and testing in your area.
Next steps for residents
- Contact the City of Great Falls Water Department to ask about your specific address and whether a lead service line has been identified.
- Request a free or low-cost water test if your home was built before 1980. Many utilities and health departments offer this.
- If lead is found in your water, the EPA recommends flushing taps before drinking and using a certified filter. Talk to your pediatrician if children under 6 live in your home; the CDC has specific guidance on lead exposure in young children.
- Ask about pipe replacement programs—some utilities offer financial help or rebates to remove lead service lines.