Water Quality in Helena, MT

Helena's water has hard water (160 PPM). Read below for a full breakdown.

City of Helena · Source: Missouri River + Ten Mile Creek · Serves 32,315 residents

160
Hardness (PPM)
230
TDS (PPM)
0.6
Chlorine (mg/L)
2
PFAS (ppt)
2
Lead (ppb)
160 PPM 0 400 Hard
CONTAMINANT LEVELS Hardness 160 PPM TDS 230 PPM PFAS 2 ppt Lead 2 ppb Chlorine 0.6 mg/L Nitrate 2 mg/L

Hardness Scale: Where Helena Falls

Soft 060120180250400+
Hard waterMining-area concerns

What Helena's Water Means for Your Home

Helena's water is hard at 160 PPM. This level of hardness causes gradual scale accumulation on plumbing fixtures, inside water heaters, and on dishware. While not as aggressive as cities in the 200+ PPM range, homeowners who install a water softener or salt-free conditioner typically notice improved soap lathering, cleaner dishes, and longer appliance lifespans.

Beyond hardness, Helena's water quality is generally within EPA guidelines for regulated contaminants. Chlorine is present at 0.6 mg/L as a disinfectant residual, which is normal for municipal water systems. If you notice a pool-like taste or experience dry skin, a whole-house carbon filter is the most common and affordable solution. For homeowners who want to understand the full picture, requesting your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report provides neighborhood-level data.

ContaminantDetectedHealth GuidelineLegal LimitStatus
Hardness (as CaCO₃)160 PPM< 60 PPMNo federal limit⚠ Hard
Total Dissolved Solids230 PPM< 300 PPM500 PPM✓ OK
PFAS (total)2 ppt4 ppt (EPA)4 ppt (2024)✓ OK
Lead2 ppb0 ppb (no safe level)15 ppb (action level)✓ Low
Chlorine / Chloramine0.6 mg/LTaste threshold ~1.04.0 mg/L✓ Normal
Nitrate2 mg/L5 mg/L10 mg/L✓ OK

Recommendations for Helena Homes

💧 Water Softener or Conditioner
At 160 PPM, Helena's water is hard. You will see gradual scale buildup on fixtures and inside water heaters. A salt-based softener removes hardness completely, while a salt-free conditioner prevents scale without removing the minerals. Your choice depends on whether you want soft-feeling water or just scale prevention.
Learn more about this solution →

About Helena's Water Supply

Water Utility: City of Helena

Water Source: Missouri River + Ten Mile Creek

Population Served: 32,315

Hardness: 160 PPM (undefined grains per gallon)

Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by City of Helena. To get exact numbers for your address, request a copy of the most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your utility, or have your water independently tested.

Compare Helena to Other Montana Cities

Billings

65 PPM · Moderately Hard

Missoula

16 PPM · Soft

Bozeman

79 PPM · Moderately Hard

Great Falls

71 PPM · Moderately Hard

Frequently Asked Questions About Helena Water

Is Helena tap water safe to drink?
Helena's water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water safety. However, legal limits and health-optimal levels are different things. Review the contaminant table above for specific numbers and how they compare to both legal limits and health guidelines.
Do I need a water softener in Helena?
It is worth considering. At 160 PPM, Helena's water is hard. You will notice gradual scale buildup in pipes and on fixtures over time. A salt-based softener extends appliance life and improves soap efficiency. A salt-free conditioner is a lower-maintenance alternative if you primarily want to prevent scale.
What water filter is best for Helena?
The best filter depends on which contaminants you want to address. See our softener vs. filter guide to understand the difference between these categories.
Where does Helena's water come from?
Helena's drinking water is sourced from Missouri River + Ten Mile Creek and treated by City of Helena.
What is the hardness of Helena water in grains per gallon?
Helena's water hardness is undefined grains per gallon (GPG), which equals 160 parts per million (PPM). This is classified as hard. To convert: 1 GPG = 17.1 PPM.
Does Helena water damage tankless water heaters?
Yes. Most tankless water heater manufacturers recommend water hardness below 7 to 11 GPG (120 to 188 PPM). At undefined GPG, Helena's water exceeds this threshold. Scale buildup inside the heat exchanger reduces efficiency and can void the manufacturer's warranty. A water softener installed upstream of the tankless heater is the standard solution.
Is Helena water safe for babies and infants?
Helena's water meets all EPA safety standards and is generally considered safe for preparing infant formula. The hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) are not harmful. If your home has older plumbing, running cold water for 30 seconds before use is a good precaution to flush any lead from pipes.
How much does hard water cost a Helena household per year?
At 160 PPM, hard water costs the average Helena household an estimated $800 to $1,200 per year in hidden costs. This includes 15 to 25 percent higher water heating bills from scale insulation, 50 to 75 percent more soap and detergent usage, shorter appliance lifespans (water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines), and increased plumbing maintenance. A water softener typically costs $600 to $1,500 installed and $50 to $100 per year in salt, which means most Helena households see a return on investment within 1 to 2 years.

Data sources. Water quality data compiled from EPA SDWIS, EWG Tap Water Database, USGS water hardness studies, and the City of Helena Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.