ZIP Code 59020
Park County, Montana — Cooke City
What This Means
Park County, Montana has moderately hard water, estimated at 70 mg/L (PPM). At this level, you may notice some mineral buildup on fixtures and inside appliances over time. A water softener is optional but can help extend appliance life. Most people don't notice significant issues at this hardness level.
What You Should Do
Hardness Details
| ZIP Code | 59020 |
| County | Park |
| City | Cooke City |
| State | Montana (MT) |
| Hardness (PPM) | 70 mg/L — Moderately Hard |
| Hardness (GPG) | 4.1 grains/gallon |
| Classification | 61 - 120 mg/L |
Source: USGS Water Quality Portal, county-level median
Your Water Utility
| Utility Name | COOKE CITY WATER DISTRICT |
| System ID | MT0000187 |
| Water Source | Ground water |
ⓘ Your utility may treat water before delivery, which can change hardness levels. Check your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for exact hardness values.
USGS Monitoring Data
| Monitoring Stations | 310 |
| Range | 0.1 – 1130 mg/L |
| Most Recent Data | 2025 |
| Data Quality | Measured |
Source: USGS Water Quality Portal
Effects at 70 PPM Hardness
At 70 ppm, some minor effects are possible: slight soap scum on shower doors, occasional water spots on dishes and glassware. Sensitive skin may notice dryness after showers. Appliance efficiency is minimally affected, but you may see light mineral deposits on faucets over time.
Is Cooke City Water Safe to Drink?
Yes. Hard water at 70 ppm in Cooke City is safe to drink. The calcium and magnesium that make water hard are actually essential minerals your body needs daily. The World Health Organization confirms there are no health-based guidelines for water hardness.
At this level, taste is generally good. Most people will not notice a mineral flavor, and the water is perfectly suitable for drinking, cooking, and making coffee or tea.
Your Water vs National Average
Cooke City water at 70 ppm is 30% softer than the US average of approximately 100 ppm. This is close to the national average. While not urgently requiring treatment, monitoring for scale buildup is advisable.
Best Solution for 70 PPM Water
Consider a shower filter ($15–40) for skin and hair benefits. At 70 ppm, a KDF or vitamin C shower filter can reduce mineral contact during bathing. A whole-house salt-free conditioner ($300–800) is an optional but effective way to prevent minor scale buildup on fixtures and appliances without adding sodium to your water.
Park County Water Hardness Map
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Nearby ZIP Codes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water hardness for ZIP code 59020?
ZIP code 59020 is in Park County, Montana, with estimated water hardness of 70 mg/L (4.1 GPG), classified as moderately hard. The area is served by COOKE CITY WATER DISTRICT.
Do I need a water softener in 59020?
With moderately hard water at 70 PPM, a water softener is optional. You may notice some minor scale buildup over time.
What county is ZIP code 59020 in?
ZIP code 59020 is in Park County, Montana (MT).
Is Cooke City water hard or soft?
Cooke City water is classified as moderately hard with an estimated hardness of 70 ppm (4.1 GPG). This is moderately hard — some minor mineral effects may be noticeable.
Is hard water in 59020 safe to drink?
Yes, hard water in ZIP code 59020 at 70 ppm is safe to drink. The calcium and magnesium minerals are actually beneficial for your health. At this level, the water tastes normal and requires no filtration for drinking purposes.
Will 70 PPM water damage my appliances?
At 70 ppm (moderately hard), minor scale buildup is possible over many years but significant appliance damage is unlikely. Regular descaling maintenance is sufficient.
Do I need a water softener in Park County?
Park County has moderately hard water at 70 ppm. A softener is optional but can help if you notice dry skin or minor scale.
Is Cooke City water OK for aquariums and plants?
Generally yes. At 70 ppm, most freshwater fish and plants will do fine. Check species-specific requirements for sensitive fish.