Water Quality in Missoula, MT

Missoula's water quality is good overall. Hardness is low at 16 PPM, and no contaminants exceed health guidelines. Most homes here do not need a water softener.

Mountain Water · Source: Rattlesnake Creek, groundwater · Serves 75,516 residents

16
Hardness (PPM)
48
TDS (PPM)
0.6
Chlorine (mg/L)
2
PFAS (ppt)
1
Lead (ppb)
16 PPM 0 400 Soft
CONTAMINANT LEVELS Hardness 16 PPM TDS 48 PPM PFAS 2 ppt Lead 1 ppb Chlorine 0.6 mg/L Nitrate 1 mg/L

Hardness Scale: Where Missoula Falls

Soft 060120180250400+
Soft water

Missoula benefits from the Pacific Northwest's protected mountain watersheds. At just 16 PPM, the water is naturally soft and requires minimal treatment. Most homes don't need a water softener — a point-of-use filter for lead in older buildings is the main recommendation.

What Missoula's Water Means for Your Home

Missoula's water is soft at 16 PPM. At this level, hard water is not a significant concern for most households. Scale buildup is minimal, and a water softener would provide little measurable benefit. If you are considering water treatment in Missoula, focus on contaminant filtration rather than softening.

Beyond hardness, Missoula'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)16 PPM< 60 PPMNo federal limit✓ OK
Total Dissolved Solids48 PPM< 300 PPM500 PPM✓ OK
PFAS (total)2 ppt4 ppt (EPA)4 ppt (2024)✓ OK
Lead1 ppb0 ppb (no safe level)15 ppb (action level)✓ Low
Chlorine / Chloramine0.6 mg/LTaste threshold ~1.04.0 mg/L✓ Normal
Nitrate1 mg/L5 mg/L10 mg/L✓ OK

Good news for ${esc(c.city)} residents. Your water quality is generally good. Most homes in this area do not need a water softener. If you have concerns about lead (especially in buildings constructed before 1986) or chlorine taste, a point-of-use filter is the most practical and cost-effective solution.

About Missoula's Water Supply

Water Utility: Mountain Water

Water Source: Rattlesnake Creek, groundwater

Population Served: 75,516

Hardness: 16 PPM (0.9 grains per gallon)

Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by Mountain Water. 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 Missoula to Other Montana Cities

Billings

65 PPM · Moderately Hard

Bozeman

79 PPM · Moderately Hard

Helena

160 PPM · Hard

Great Falls

71 PPM · Moderately Hard

Frequently Asked Questions About Missoula Water

Is Missoula tap water safe to drink?
Missoula'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 Missoula?
No. At 16 PPM, Missoula's water is very soft. A water softener would provide no benefit here. Focus on filtration if you have specific contaminant concerns.
What water filter is best for Missoula?
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 Missoula's water come from?
Missoula's drinking water is sourced from Rattlesnake Creek, groundwater and treated by Mountain Water. Missoula benefits from the Pacific Northwest's protected mountain watersheds. At just 16 PPM, the water is naturally soft and requires minimal treatment.
What is the hardness of Missoula water in grains per gallon?
Missoula's water hardness is 0.9 grains per gallon (GPG), which equals 16 parts per million (PPM). This is classified as soft. To convert: 1 GPG = 17.1 PPM.
Does Missoula water damage tankless water heaters?
At 0.9 GPG, Missoula's water is unlikely to cause significant issues for tankless water heaters. However, if you notice reduced flow or efficiency over time, scale buildup could be a factor. Annual flushing with vinegar is good maintenance regardless of hardness.
Is Missoula water safe for babies and infants?
Missoula'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.

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