Lead Service Lines in Montana
Montana serves approximately 1.1 million people through 2,386 public water systems. Currently, there are no confirmed lead service lines reported across the state's inventory.
This doesn't necessarily mean lead service lines don't exist in Montana—it means they either haven't been identified yet, or utilities have not reported them. Lead service line detection and replacement is an ongoing process, and many water systems are still in the early stages of surveying their infrastructure.
Why this matters
Lead service lines are underground pipes that connect your home to the public water main. When water sits in these pipes, especially if the water is acidic or soft, lead can leach into your drinking water. Even small amounts can be a concern for children and pregnant people.
If your home was built before the 1980s, there's a higher chance you have a lead service line—particularly if you live in an older neighborhood.
What Montana utilities are doing
Montana has not yet received federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funding to support lead service line replacement. This means replacement programs may be limited or unavailable in your area at the moment.
However, utilities are still required by federal law to:
- Maintain an inventory of known and suspected lead service lines
- Inform customers if lead has been detected in their water
- Provide guidance on reducing lead exposure
How to find out about your home
Your water utility has records that may indicate whether your service line contains lead. Some utilities have already surveyed their pipes; others are still conducting inventories.
Contact your local water utility directly and ask:
- Does your system have a lead service line inventory?
- Do they know or suspect your home has a lead service line?
- What testing options are available?
Many utilities can review old property records, pipe materials, and service line history to give you an answer.
If you're concerned about lead in your water
You can request a free or low-cost water test from your utility. If results show elevated lead levels, simple steps like flushing your lines or installing a point-of-use filter can help while replacement is arranged.
For health concerns, contact your doctor or the CDC's lead information line.
Next steps for residents
- Call or visit your water utility's website and ask about their lead service line inventory status
- Request a water test if you're concerned about lead
- If your home was built before 1980, ask specifically whether they've identified your service line material
- Check the utility contact information linked on this page for the systems serving your area