What’s in Your Tap Water? Understanding Local Water Quality Reports

Most of us take clean water for granted. We turn on the tap expecting it to be safe, clear, and drinkable. But what’s actually in your tap water—and how do you know it meets safety standards? For homeowners in Billings and Laurel, reading your annual water quality report is key to understanding what you’re drinking, cooking with, and bathing in every day.

At Brown Plumbing & Heating, we often hear customers ask whether they need a water filter or softener, or if their tap water is truly safe. The answer lies in your local Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), which is released every year by your water provider. Here’s how to read it—and what to do if you don’t like what you see.

What Is a Water Quality Report?

The CCR is a federally required report that provides a detailed breakdown of the quality of your community’s drinking water. It includes information on:

Source water (such as wells, rivers, or reservoirs)
Detected contaminants and their levels
Compliance with EPA standards
Health effects of any violations
Contact information for more details or concerns

For residents of Billings and Laurel, the report is usually mailed out each summer, and it’s also available online through your local water department’s website.

Common Contaminants Found in Montana Water

While most municipal water is safe to drink, trace levels of certain substances can still be present, including:

Chlorine (used for disinfection)
Lead and copper (from old plumbing pipes)
Nitrates (from agricultural runoff)
Hard minerals like calcium and magnesium
Byproducts of disinfection such as trihalomethanes (THMs)

The CCR shows whether these contaminants are below, at, or above legal limits—and includes a note if any are cause for concern.

What Do the Numbers Mean?

The key measurement in these reports is usually in parts per million (ppm) or parts per billion (ppb). Each contaminant listed has a “maximum contaminant level” (MCL) set by the Environmental Protection Agency. If levels exceed the MCL, your provider is legally required to address it and notify the public.

Even if your water complies with legal limits, you might still want to consider additional filtration—especially if you’re concerned about taste, smell, or long-term exposure to certain substances.

What If You’re on a Private Well?

In Laurel and other rural areas, many homes rely on private wells. These are not regulated by the EPA, so it’s up to homeowners to test their water regularly—ideally once a year. Brown Plumbing & Heating can help connect you with certified labs and filtration solutions if needed.

Solutions for Cleaner Water

If you’re concerned about what’s in your tap water—even if it’s legally safe—there are steps you can take:

Install a whole-home filtration system to remove sediment, chlorine, and other impurities.
Use under-sink or countertop filters for drinking and cooking water.
Consider a water softener if hard water is causing buildup or dry skin.
Schedule a water test to get a personalized analysis of what’s in your home’s plumbing.