Updated 7:30 p.m. MDT, 6/13/2020
The Town of West Yellowstone said in a press release that the water supply in West Yellowstone has passed an intial round of testing and has been ruled safe for human consumption.
According to the press release, more tests are still to come and West Yellowstone remains under a health advisory:
"There are more tests to be completed, therefore DEQ has issued a Health Advisory. A Health Advisory is not an emergency. Water does not have to be boiled or treated, but if there are specific health concerns a doctor should be consulted. People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, pregnant women and some elderly may be at increased risk."
The Town of West Yellowstone said in a press release Friday night that the public water supply is contaminated and residents should use only bottled water until the situation is resolved.
According to the press release, the Whiskey Springs collection area—West Yellowstone's primary water source—was damaged sometime during the week of June 7.
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued notice of a Tier 1 Drinking Water Situation, which means the water should not be consumed by humans.
The press release continued as follows:
The Town is advising everyone, including residents and visitors, to only drink or consume bottled water until the situation is resolved. Personal well water is not affected by this situation.
"Per the Gallatin County City County Health Department, all restaurants and other food establishments should immediately discontinue operations. Motels and hotels, tourist homes, trailer courts, campgrounds and day care centers may continue to operate but must not use the Town of West Yellowstone’s water supply for consumption. Establishments must discard all ice currently in the facility. Water must not be used for consumption for drink making, brushing teeth or food preparation. Bottled water should be used for all of the above necessities.
On Saturday, June 13, 2020, the Town has arranged for the delivery of over 1000 cases of bottled water from Lehrkinds of Bozeman. Residents may come to the south parking lot of the Town Hall between the hours of 10 AM and 6 PM. Families will be distributed one case per day, hotels and nightly rental establishments will be permitted to take 2 bottles per room, per day. Please do not take more than necessary, this is a temporary problem.
This situation is evolving rapidly. For current information, please visit the Town’s website: townofwestyellowstone.com or on the Town’s Facebook page.
This situation is being addressed as quickly as possible."
