Water Quality: Fort Smith, MT
3 water systems • 1,325 people served
Multiple Health ViolationsWater Quality Summary
Fort Smith is served by 3 public water systems with a combined service population of 1,325 people, and has 172 EPA Safe Drinking Water Act violations on record. Critically, 30 of those are health-based violations, meaning one or more contaminants were detected above EPA-established safe levels — a serious public health concern. Fort Smith's violation count is 64% above the national average for Montana. Contaminants associated with violations include Chlorine Dioxide, Disinfection Byproducts, Fecal Coliform, Nitrate-Nitrite.
Contaminants Found
Can cause anemia in infants and young children; may cause nervous system effects at high levels.
Common source: Water treatment disinfectant used to control taste, odor, and microorganisms
EPA limit: 0.8 mg/L
Broad category of chemicals formed during disinfection, associated with increased cancer risk and adverse reproductive effects.
Common source: Reaction of disinfectants (chlorine, ozone, chloramines) with organic matter
Indicates direct fecal contamination; associated with diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and potential severe illness.
Common source: Human and animal fecal waste
EPA limit: Zero tolerance (any positive triggers violations)
Causes methemoglobinemia in infants and may pose cancer risks with long-term exposure.
Common source: Fertilizer runoff, septic systems, animal feedlots, natural deposits
EPA limit: 10 mg/L (as nitrogen)
Water Systems Serving Fort Smith
| System Name | PWSID | Source | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WORDEN BALLANTINE YELLOWSTONE | MT0000022 | Surface Water | 800 | 30 |
| FORT SMITH WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT | MT0004765 | Groundwater | 450 | 9 |
| ARROW CREEK TRAILER COURT | MT0004507 | Groundwater | 75 | 133 |
Concerned About Your Water?
A home water filter can remove common contaminants. NSF-certified filters are tested against EPA standards.
Consider a reverse osmosis system for comprehensive filtration or a carbon filter for basic improvement.
Other Cities in Montana
Data Sources
Drinking water violation data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). Data includes all recorded violations for active community water systems.