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WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 59648 Water Quality Report

Wolf Creek, MT · Lewis and Clark County County

Safety Score
F

Water Safety Grade

Failing — Serious compliance issues

Health Violations

5

Total Violations

29

Lead Risk

High

Contaminants

1

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Active Water Quality Issues Detected

EPA records show 5 unresolved violations. Contact Milford Colony Inc. for current status.

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 59648

Tap water in ZIP code 59648 (Wolf Creek, MT) has received a failing F grade (score: 34/100) based on EPA compliance data. Milford Colony Inc. has a significant history of water quality violations. Residents are strongly encouraged to use a certified water filter and contact their local water authority for current advisories.

Water System

Milford Colony Inc.

EPA ID: MT0001646

Water Source

Ground Water

Population Served

67 residents

County

Lewis and Clark County County, Montana

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Lead Levels in ZIP 59648

EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb

Lead Data Not Available

Lead testing data was not found in EPA records for ZIP code 59648. This may occur with very small systems or systems that report under a parent utility. Contact Milford Colony Inc. directly to request lead testing results or a copy of their Consumer Confidence Report.

Lead exposure risk in 59648 is rated High. EPA models estimate a 46% probability of lead exposure risk in this ZIP code based on housing age, infrastructure age, and water system data. This typically reflects older housing stock built before 1986 (when lead pipes were banned), aging distribution infrastructure, or detected lead levels in water samples. Families should prioritize getting their tap water tested independently and installing a certified lead-reducing filter.

Lead Exposure Risk Rating
High
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

46%
Note: Lead levels above are the 90th percentile from EPA monitoring — meaning 90% of samples were at or below this level. Even "undetected" tap water lead doesn't account for lead leaching from home plumbing. If your home was built before 1986, individual tap testing is recommended.
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Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

Milford Colony Inc. has recorded 5 health-based violations in the past 5 years. Multiple health violations suggest recurring compliance challenges. Residents should request a copy of the annual Consumer Confidence Report to understand what contaminants were involved and what corrective actions were taken. 5 violations are currently unresolved — meaning the issue has not yet been formally corrected in EPA records. This is a serious concern that residents should follow up on with their water utility.

Total Violations (5 yr)
29
Health-Based Violations
5
Unresolved Violations
5
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
Critical

Regulatory compliance risk is rated Critical — the highest risk category. Milford Colony Inc. has an extensive history of unresolved violations and enforcement actions. Independent water testing is highly recommended.

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

EPA records identify 1 contaminant associated with health-based violations in ZIP code 59648: Barium. These contaminants exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) established by the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act at some point in the 5-year monitoring period. The presence of these violations does not necessarily mean water is currently unsafe — water systems are often required to increase monitoring and treatment when violations occur. Review the annual Consumer Confidence Report for the most current status.

Barium

⚖ Enforcement Actions

10 enforcement actions have been issued against Milford Colony Inc. — a high number that reflects sustained compliance struggles. Enforcement actions escalate from administrative orders to financial penalties when utilities repeatedly fail to meet safe drinking water standards.
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Water Source & Environmental Factors

Ground Water

This system draws water from underground aquifers. Groundwater is naturally filtered through soil and rock, but can still contain naturally occurring minerals like arsenic, radium, or nitrates.

Water Source Type
Ground Water
EPA Radon Zone

Highest potential

Zone 1
Energy Burden

% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure

2.29%

EPA Radon Zone 1 — highest potential for radon in indoor air. Homeowners should test their home for radon and consider mitigation if levels exceed 4 pCi/L.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 59648 Recommendations

  • 🚨 Install a certified NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 (reverse osmosis) filter immediately for drinking and cooking
  • 🚨 Do not give unfiltered water to children, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals
  • 🚨 Contact Milford Colony Inc. to request the current violation status and corrective action plan
  • 🚨 Report concerns to your state environmental agency or call the EPA hotline: 1-800-426-4791
  • 🚨 Consider having your home's tap water independently tested by a certified lab

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 59648 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 59648?+
Tap water in 59648 has a below-average water quality grade of F. While it is treated, there have been notable compliance issues. We strongly recommend using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter for drinking and cooking, especially for vulnerable populations.
What is the lead level in 59648 tap water?+
Lead level data from EPA monitoring is not available for 59648. Contact Milford Colony Inc. directly for the most recent lead testing results.
Who provides tap water to 59648?+
Tap water in ZIP code 59648 is provided by Milford Colony Inc. (EPA ID: MT0001646). This system serves approximately 67 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 59648?+
ZIP code 59648 is served by ground water. Groundwater systems draw from underground aquifers. While naturally filtered, groundwater can still contain naturally occurring contaminants such as arsenic, radium, or nitrates at elevated levels in some regions.
Does 59648 have any active water quality violations?+
Yes — there are currently 5 unresolved violations on record for this water system. Unresolved violations indicate issues that have not yet been formally corrected in EPA tracking systems. Contact Milford Colony Inc. for the latest update.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 59648?+
Your water utility — Milford Colony Inc. — is required by law to send you an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) by July 1 each year. You can also request it directly from the utility or find it online by searching "Milford Colony Inc. Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 59648?+
The right filter depends on what contaminants are present. For lead, look for a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53. For chlorine byproducts (like THMs), NSF/ANSI 42 filters work well. For a broad range of contaminants including PFAS, look for NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) systems. For ZIP code 59648, with detected contaminants including Barium, a multi-stage filter or reverse osmosis system is recommended.
Is 59648 tap water safe for babies and infants?+
Infants are especially vulnerable to lead, nitrates, and microbial contaminants in drinking water. Current EPA data for 59648 shows no available lead data — we recommend using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 lead filter as a precaution for infant formula. Always consult your pediatrician for guidance specific to your child's health.

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 59648 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by Milford Colony Inc.. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →