Water Quality Report

Brown/Discolored Water?

UPDATE 6/2/2026 -

As of 6/2/2026 we still do not have a confirmed reason for the discolored water, and still believe it to be sediment in the lines, but will start flushing fire hydrants tonight on 1st Avenue East and then continue street by street (weather permitting; we do not want to add to Mother Nature's downpours forecasted this week). This may stir up additional sediment in the main lines, but the majority will be purged out of the hydrants.

5/28/2026 - Some of you may be experiencing brown water. We have learned of four locations, all on 1st Avenue E between E Date and E Birch Streets. Unfortunately, we are unsure of the source at this time and will continue to investigate.

It may be due to so much usage with sprinklers being turned on. When there is high usage, that tends to stir up sediment in the mains, but this same thing can occur in your own lines.

It may be a water main has a leak, but we cannot confirm that until water bubbles up to the surface - so it's a "wait and see" game.

The City continues to conduct its routine sampling and testing and everything is still within our water supply systems' limits. Although not aesthetically pleasing, the water is potable. I also would not want to drink brown water, but it is safe. We typically recommend running a hose outside while it clears up - and since it's a hot day your plants will thank you.

We will let you know as we learn more.

Drinking Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report)

Each year we make available a short report that tells where you water comes from and what is in it. See below for the most recent report available, or call our office and we will gladly assist you. Remember, the CCR is a compilation of the previous years' test results, so the "current" is always a year behind.

Lead/Copper/Galvanized Service Line Inventory

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been working on long-term revisions to the Lead and Copper Rule for a number of years. The following is a statement from the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA) regarding the delays in the revisions:

In a Federal Register notice published June 16, 2021, EPA has delayed the effective date of the final Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) originally published on January 15, 2021. The effective date of this rule is delayed until December 16, 2021. Additionally, the compliance date for the final rule is delayed until October 16, 2024. Extending the compliance deadline ensures states have the full three years provided by the Safe Drinking Water Act to adopt laws and regulations to obtain primacy for the rule and so water systems have adequate time to take any necessary actions to meet the compliance deadlines in the rule.

Much of the service line inventory our staff was aware of...

...but the City of Three Forks began taking inventory in 2023 by mailing and emailing out questionnaires requesting inventory. We submitted our inventory to DEQ the end of 2024 as required. During our water main replacement project in the summer of 2025, the contractors dug up a number of service lines as well to connect them to the new main. Seven previously submitted to the City as "copper" were found to be galvanized lines. The owners were made aware of this and the inventory was resubmitted to DEQ to ensure accuracy.

What's Next?

The City is required to have a replacement plan submitted to DEQ by 11/2027. The plan shall include a hierarchy of replacements with lead 1st priority, galvanized 2nd priority, multi-family homes with lead, multi-family with copper but has lead solders, then all others. 10% of the lead/galvanized lines need to be replaced each year starting in 1/1/2028.

Want to Verify your Home's Inventory?

Click here for GIANT excel file of all inventory by address.

Questions?

Call us at 406-285-3431 for more information or visit https://deq.mt.gov/water/Programs/dw-leadandcopper

2025 Drinking Water Quality Report Request a Hard Copy