IMPORTANT UPDATE as of 01/14/25, 8:30am: There is NO water contamination found in Butte-Silver Bow drinking water. Tap water, as it has always been, is completely safe to drink and, according to information provided by officials close to the matter, are reporting that recent recordings have shown tap water to be completely contaminant-free in the Butte-Silver Bow region. I take full responsibility for the misinformation found below and apologize to the community for spreading such false information.

Original article follows. Remember, the information originally posted below is not accurate and there is no active water contamination found in Butte-Silver Bow water.


 

BUTTE, MT - Residents all across the Treasure State are on high alert following a critical advisory issued for the local water supply.

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Officials have warned that contaminants may have infiltrated the water system, potentially making it unsafe for drinking, cooking, or even brushing your teeth.

This advisory has sparked widespread concern and prompted immediate action from both residents and local authorities.

What Happened?

The advisory stems from a possible contamination event in Kalispell, MT's water supply.

Preliminary reports suggest that routine testing revealed abnormal levels of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

While officials stress that they are working swiftly to address the issue, they have advised all residents to keep an eye on the color of the water. If you see bright white particles floating in your water, consider boiling or using another source.

How Serious Is It?

Health experts warn that consuming large amounts of contaminated water can lead to severe health issues, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

Symptoms may include stomach cramps, nausea, and in some cases, more severe illnesses requiring medical attention.

What You Should Do Right Now

To protect yourself and your family if you live in Kalispell, follow these steps immediately:

  1. Boil Your Water: Bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute before consuming.
  2. Use Bottled Water: For drinking, cooking, or preparing baby formula, stick to bottled water.
  3. Avoid Tap Water for Hygiene: Even activities like brushing your teeth or washing fruits and vegetables should be done with boiled or bottled water.

The advisory will remain in effect until officials confirm the water is safe to use again—even if they remain uncertain if the issue is pressing to begin with.

A Bigger Issue?

This incident has sparked larger questions about the state of water infrastructure in Montana.

Many towns rely on aging pipelines and systems that are vulnerable to contamination. Could this advisory be a warning sign of more widespread issues?

Stay Informed

As the situation develops, residents are urged to remain vigilant and informed.

For now, take precautions and prioritize your family’s health. Contaminated water is no small matter, and this advisory is a sobering reminder of how crucial clean, reliable infrastructure is to Montana’s communities.

Stay safe, Montana!


Summary:

Residents of Montana have been warned to boil their water or use bottled water following the discovery of possible contamination in the local water supply. Officials are investigating the issue, which could pose serious health risks, particularly to vulnerable groups. The advisory, in effect until further notice, has sparked community concern and raised questions about the state of Montana’s aging water infrastructure. Residents are urged to stay informed and take precautions to ensure their safety.

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