Richland County, Montana — public water systems

How does Richland County compare with other Montana counties?

Richland County has the 30th-most active public water systems among the 76 counties listed for active Montana systems in EPA records; among the 55 with 3 or more systems, the median has 16. Its systems report 7,074 people served in total, the 30th-largest county figure in the state and 0.6% of the statewide total. The average system here reports serving 442 people, roughly in line with the Montana average of 489. Population figures are what each system reports; people served by more than one system, such as a wholesaler and the town that buys from it, are counted by each.

Where does Richland County's drinking water come from?

By primary water source, Richland County's active systems draw on groundwater (13, 81%) and purchased groundwater (3, 19%). Overall, all rely mainly on groundwater (including purchased groundwater) and none on surface water, compared with 89% and 11% across Montana. Groundwater means the system draws its water from wells or springs fed by underground aquifers. The county's largest system, City of Sidney, draws primarily on groundwater.

What kinds of water systems operate in Richland County?

Richland County's active systems break down as 5 community systems (31%), 3 non-transient non-community systems (19%) and 8 transient non-community systems (50%). A community water system serves at least 15 connections used by year-round residents, or regularly serves at least 25 year-round residents. Homes, apartments and mobile-home parks are served by these. A non-transient non-community water system regularly serves at least 25 of the same people for more than six months a year, but not where they live. Schools, factories, office buildings and hospitals with their own supply are typical examples. A transient non-community water system serves places where people do not stay long, such as gas stations and campgrounds, and regularly serves at least 25 people a day for at least 60 days a year. EPA lists their owner types as private (63%) and local government (38%).