Boil alert downgraded

ST. IGNATIUS - A boil water order that was issued to the town of St. Ignatius on July 21 is no longer in effect.

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) reduced the boil order to a health advisory Tuesday, as long as the two chlorinators currently in effect continue to provide a chlorine disinfectant residual at both of the town's two wells.

All source water samples from both the public water supply wells on July 29 and August 2 and five distribution system samples in the month of August tested negative for total coliform and E. coli.

"This means that those serviced can largely go back to business as usual," Susan Brueggeman, Director of the Lake County Environmental Health Department, said. "There is a cautionary note for immune-compromised populations, infants and some elderly. They should contact their health care provider for further instructions."

Based on two positive E. coli samples collected from one of the town's two wells on July 14 and 19, DEQ issued a boil water order for the town of St. Ignatius' public water supply on July 21. The order required residents and businesses in St. Ignatius to drink bottled water or boil water before consumption. While the E. coli were first confirmed after the routine July 19 test, the town was not alerted to this problem until late in the day on July 21. By noon on the 22nd, the town's wells were being chlorinated.

Initial tests from private wells and the town's other well all came back clean and town officials continued to collect and analyze samples until requirements of the ground water rule were met.

The source of the problem was one of the wells across from Taelman Park, town of St. Ignatius clerk Leann Gottfried said.

"It appears, thus far, there is a problem with the tribal sewer system, which is only about 40 feet from the contaminated well," Gottfried said on July 29.

According to Brueggeman, "The tribal sewer line in this area did experience a backup that was resolved, I believe, on July 21. It is unclear at this time if the two incidents are related, but there is potential since the city well is quite shallow and in alluvial [loose, unconsolidated] material."

The usual separation distance between public well and sewer line is a minimum of 100 feet, said Brueggeman in a July 27 letter to the town. The letter continues, "there is likelihood this matter will be further considered by the town, DEQ, the tribes, and EPA."

The DEQ requires that the town to respond formally within 30 days with their plan and a schedule for ground water corrective action. Three options provided by the EPA are: Full-time chlorination, replacement of the well, or elimination of the source of contamination. Actions must be completed or in approved progress within 120 days (Nov. 23). The town of St. Ignatius discussed options during their regular town council meeting Tuesday.

For further information on the E. coli situation, contact St. Ignatius town offices, 745-3791, the Lake County Environmental Health Department, 883-7236, or the various tribal health offices.

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