Lead Service Lines in Great Falls, Montana
Great Falls serves about 60,000 people. Like many US water systems, the city uses water from surface sources (rivers and reservoirs).
What you need to know about lead service lines
A lead service line is the pipe that connects your home to the water main under the street. If your line is made of lead, drinking water can pick up lead as it travels through that pipe—even if the water leaving the treatment plant is safe.
Great Falls has not yet completed a full inventory of which homes have lead service lines. This means the city doesn't yet have a public count of how many lead lines exist in the system, or where they are located.
What this means for your home
You can't assume your service line is safe just because an inventory isn't finished. Homes built before the 1980s are at higher risk of having lead lines, since lead pipes were common then.
The safest approach: Contact Great Falls' water utility directly and ask about your service line. You can also request a water test—the city can tell you how. If you have young children or are pregnant, the CDC recommends not waiting; get your water tested now.
What Great Falls is doing
The city is required by federal law to develop an inventory of all service lines and a plan to replace lead lines. The timeline and details should be available through the city's water utility office.
Funding note: Federal grants under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are available to help utilities pay for lead line replacement. Ask your utility whether Great Falls has applied or received funding for this work.
Reducing lead exposure while you wait
If your line is or might be lead:
- Use cold water for drinking and cooking (hot water leaches more lead)
- Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially after the line has sat unused for hours
- Flush first thing in the morning and after you've been away
These steps don't eliminate risk—only replacement does—but they reduce it.
Next steps for residents
- Contact the Great Falls water utility to ask about your service line
- Request a free or low-cost water test if you're concerned
- If you have children under 6 or are pregnant, talk to your pediatrician or doctor about testing
- Ask your utility about lead line replacement programs and funding
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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 I have a lead service line in Great Falls?
Contact the Great Falls water utility directly—they can tell you based on your address or home records. You can also request a water test. Homes built before the 1980s are more likely to have lead lines.
Is lead in Great Falls tap water dangerous?
Lead is most dangerous for young children and pregnant women. Even low levels can harm brain development. If you're in these groups, contact your pediatrician or doctor and request a water test from your utility.
What should I do if my water tests positive for lead?
Use the steps above (cold water, flushing) to reduce exposure immediately. Then contact the utility about replacing your service line. Ask about replacement programs and funding—federal grants are available to help pay for this.
When will Great Falls finish its lead service line inventory?
The city is required by federal law to complete an inventory and replacement plan, but a specific deadline hasn't been published here. Contact the water utility for their timeline.