UPDATE: 12:09PM Sept 3 — The State of Montana Department of Environmental Quality has lifted the “Do Not Consume” advisory for the Town of Sheridan, confirming the water is now safe to drink and use.
UPDATE: 11:01AM Aug 28 — The Department of Environmental Quality on Wednesday installed a temporary treatment attachment to the municipal water system, officials said.
The system is now running a 72-hour cleaning cycle expected to be complete by Saturday, according to Madison County Emergency Management.
Once the process is complete, water samples will be sent for laboratory testing, with results expected by Wednesday, Sept. 3. The results will determine whether the water is safe to drink or if further health advisories are required.
In the meantime, water distribution will continue at Sheridan Town Hall from 9 AM to 6 PM for affected residents.
The Public Health Department is also providing a second distribution site where water will be available for pickup during the day and after hours.
For questions or concerns, contact Public Health at 406-204-0712 or the Sanitarian’s Office at 406-843-4275.
UPDATE: 10:37PM Aug 27 — The Do Not Consume advisory for Sheridan residents remains in effect, according to the Madison County Public Health Department.
Bottled water is available for affected residents at the department’s office, 401 S. Main St., and will be distributed until the municipal water supply issue is resolved.
Officials said it is safe to shower and wash hands — followed by hand sanitizer — but warned residents not to drink, cook with, or wash dishes using tap water, even if it has been boiled. Residents are also advised not to bathe small children if there is a chance they might swallow the water.
UPDATE: 9:05PM Aug 26 — A 20-foot rupture in Sheridan’s water main disrupted the town’s water supply earlier today, prompting emergency repairs and a community-wide “Do Not Use” notice. The system is currently refilling, but residents are urged to use water sparingly to aid recovery.
Municipal leaders, including the Town Council and emergency services, are coordinating with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality to address the crisis. Local teams, such as the Sheridan Football Team and Ruby Valley Search and Rescue, are distributing information to residents.
Water distribution at the Main Hall was available until 8PM today. Those unable to collect water within that time are encouraged to call Public Health Director Emilie Sayler at 406-579-0862 for arrangements.
The Sheridan Senior Center is also assisting homebound seniors, and residents are asked to support neighbors who may need help.
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Officials in Sheridan have issued a Do Not Consume advisory for the town’s water system after a break that has dewatered the storage tank. This can cause the potential introduction of multiple contaminants in the drinking water.
The Madison County Water and Sewer District said residents should not use tap water for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, or preparing baby formula until further notice. Water can still be used for bathing, washing dishes, and laundry.
Contaminants that may be suspected include fecal coliform and E. coli bacteria, which can indicate contamination from human or animal waste, health officials said. Such contamination may contain microbes that can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, and other symptoms.
There may be increased risk for people with severely compromised immune symptoms, infants and some elderly, when exposed to contaminated water. It is advised for these people to seek advice from health care providers about drinking water.
Bottled water is available for residents, and the advisory will stay in place until testing confirms the water is safe. No timeline has been given for when that could happen.
Updates will be posted on the Madison County website and through local alerts. Residents with questions can also contact the Water and Sewer District office.
