WHITEFISH CITY OF Lead Service Line Inventory
About this water system
The City of Whitefish serves approximately 10,418 people in Montana. The water system draws from surface water sources.
Lead service line inventory status
As of now, the City of Whitefish has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in its distribution system. This means the utility does not yet have a detailed public count of how many lead lines exist, where they are located, or what percentage of homes may be affected.
This is not unusual. The Safe Drinking Water Act requires all US water systems to complete lead service line inventories, but utilities across the country are still in various stages of this work—some have finished, others are still gathering data.
What happens next
Utilities must submit their inventories to the state and make results public. The City of Whitefish is required to have an inventory in place and a replacement plan by 2027.
In the meantime, if you're concerned about lead in your home's water, you can:
- Request water testing from the utility (often free or very low cost)
- Contact the utility directly to ask about lead service lines on your property and their timeline for inventory completion
- Use a water filter certified to remove lead (NSF/ANSI Standard 53) as an interim step while waiting for official results
What you should know about lead
Lead in drinking water typically comes from service lines or household plumbing, not the water source itself. Boiling water does not remove lead. The CDC recommends testing particularly if you have young children or are pregnant, as lead exposure poses special risks during these life stages.
For health guidance, contact your pediatrician or the CDC's lead information line.
Next steps for residents
- Contact the City of Whitefish Water Department to ask about your property's service line status and the inventory timeline
- Request a free or low-cost water test if the utility offers one
- If concerned about immediate exposure, consider installing a certified lead-removal water filter
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Contact the City of Whitefish Water Department—they have property records that may show your service line material. You can also hire a licensed plumber to inspect the line where it enters your home. Once the city's inventory is complete, you'll also be able to check official results.
Is lead service line water safe to drink?
Water flowing through a lead line can pick up lead, especially if water sits in the pipes or the water is corrosive. Running water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking can help flush out some lead, but the safest option is removing the line or using a certified filter.
When will Whitefish finish its lead service line inventory?
The city is required to complete its inventory by 2027. For a specific timeline, contact the Water Department directly to ask about their current progress.
Does the city help pay to replace lead service lines?
The federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is funding replacements nationwide. Contact the City of Whitefish Water Department to ask whether they have a replacement assistance program or low-interest financing available to homeowners.