THREE FORKS – Water samples have confirmed the presence of arsenic in a well in Three Forks.
The water samples were recently collected by the City of Three Forks, prompting additional outreach by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, The City of Three Forks and the Gallatin City-County Health Department.
The samples were collected in the first quarter of 2019 from one of four wells that feed into the system.
The well had levels exceeding the arsenic Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 10 parts per billion set by the EPA.
Three Forks’ other three wells were well below the MCL for arsenic.
According to a press release, the City of Three Forks is working with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality staff to correct the situation.
The arsenic level in the well was 67 ppb, which is roughly six times the MCL. The well has been shut down and will be tested and monitored before it is put back into service.
According to MDEQ, the use of bottled water is not needed at this time. However, they say those with specific health concerns should consult their doctor about drinking the water.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
