Antibiotic resistance in aquatic environments poses a significant public health concern, particularly when coupled with metal resistance mechanisms. This study investigated the co-occurrence of multidrug and copper resistance in E. coli isolates from four Montana water bodies: Galen, Warm Springs, Opportunity, and Hyalite. Water samples were filtered and cultured on selective media for E. coli isolation. Isolates underwent susceptibility testing against eight antibiotics (ampicillin, cefoxitin, cefotaxime, chloramphenicol, tetracycline, streptomycin, gentamicin, and ciprofloxacin) and copper concentrations ranging from 1-28 mM. Opportunity exhibited the highest E. coli contamination (26.07 CFU/100 mL). Among 60 isolates per site, Warm Springs (96.7%) and Hyalite (98.3%) demonstrated the highest prevalence of multidrug resistance. All isolates displayed copper resistance between 8-24 mM, suggesting widespread metal tolerance. The ubiquitous presence of dual-resistant E. coli in these water systems indicates potential environmental selection pressure and highlights concerns about resistance gene dissemination in aquatic ecosystems. Future research will examine the molecular mechanisms underlying this co-resistance and its implications for environmental and public health.