NORTH STAR ZOOT WATER Lead Service Line Inventory
About This Water System
North Star Zoot Water serves 4,323 people in Montana. The utility draws its water from groundwater sources.
Lead Service Line Inventory Status
As of now, this utility has not yet completed a lead service line inventory. This means the water company has not finished documenting which homes and buildings are connected to the water main with lead service lines—pipes that can leach lead into drinking water over time.
You may be wondering why this matters. Lead service lines are a direct pathway for lead to enter your home's water, especially in water that sits in pipes overnight or for several hours. Even small amounts of lead exposure can affect health, particularly for young children and pregnant people.
What You Should Do
Contact your water utility directly. Call or email North Star Zoot Water and ask:
- Whether your address has a lead service line
- When they plan to complete their inventory
- If they have any interim recommendations (like flushing practices or temporary filtration)
Your utility may have partial information even if the full inventory isn't published yet. They can often tell you based on your street address, the age of your neighborhood, or previous testing.
If you're concerned about your water right now, consider:
- Running your tap for 30 seconds before using water for drinking or cooking (this helps clear water sitting in pipes)
- Having your water tested by a certified lab if you want to know your actual lead level
- Using a pitcher filter or faucet filter certified to reduce lead (NSF/ANSI Standard 53)
For health questions—especially if you have young children—talk to your pediatrician or contact your state health department. The CDC also has detailed guidance on lead in drinking water at cdc.gov.
Next Steps for Residents
- Contact your utility and ask for your property's lead service line status by address
- Request a timeline for when they'll complete their lead inventory
- Have your water tested by a certified laboratory if you want to know your current lead level
- Reach out to your state (Montana Department of Environmental Quality) if your utility isn't responsive
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does my home have a lead service line in Montana?
Only your water utility can tell you for certain. Contact North Star Zoot Water with your address—they may have records even if their full inventory isn't finished yet. You can also ask when they plan to complete their lead service line inventory.
Is lead in water dangerous?
Lead is a serious health concern, especially for young children and pregnant people. For health advice specific to your situation, talk to your pediatrician or call your doctor. The CDC website has detailed information on lead exposure and water.
What can I do right now about lead in my water?
You can flush your tap for 30 seconds before using water for drinking or cooking, use a certified lead-reducing filter (look for NSF/ANSI 53), or have your water tested by a certified lab. These steps provide some protection while you find out if you have a lead service line.
When will North Star Zoot Water finish their lead inventory?
Contact the utility directly to ask about their timeline. Federal rules require utilities to inventory lead service lines, but timelines vary. Your utility can tell you their specific plan.