More testing has been done by DEQ on the Worden and Ballantine water sources. This time it was to determine whether the irrigation collection drain water is being influenced by surface water. This type of testing is currently being done across Montana but due to the recent high nitrate level, testing this area was expedited because irrigation collection water is used as public water for the Worden / Ballantine area.
Results came back at total score of 28, which is considered high risk, indicating there’s not enough filtration occurring. Contaminants included high levels of algae and diatoms, some of which are pathogens that can cause disease.
Scott Patterson,CCR Rule Manager, stated population of this area is strongly advised to drink from another source of water, such as bottled water. This is especially important for children under the age of six months, due to nitrate levels exceeding the safety limit of 10mg per liter.
WBYC has been advised by DEQ to increase chlorine levels for now. In order to remedy contamination long term there are two viable options. One option is to entirely stop using water from the irrigation collection drain this water source and exclusively utilize filtered well water. Another option would be to update the filtration system to meet the requirements of the surface water treatment rule, part of the Safe Drinking Water Act.
