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Yellowstone County

Navigating the Worden/Ballantine Water Crisis

Published: 2019
By Callie Cooley and Jackie Rumph
The summer of 2019 presented challenges for the Worden and Ballantine communities of Yellowstone County. In July, Worden and Ballantine town residents were given strict orders to halt infant tap water consumption due to high nitrate levels tested in the water. The issue expanded after coliforms were detected in raw water samples, and surface water was confirmed as the contamination source. Although the Worden Ballantine Yellowstone County Water and Sewer District (WBYC WSD) is taking measures to mitigate the water quality issues, like increasing chlorine treatment, not all surface water contaminants can be treated with their current system. Because of that and the nitrate issue, infants, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems are advised not to consume the tap water. MSU Extension in Yellowstone County recognized an immediate community need. With approximately 1,800 individuals directly influenced throughout Worden, Ballantine, and the Huntley Project school system, MSU Extension – Yellowstone County, saw an opportunity to be involved through collaboration with MSU Extension Water Quality (MSUEWQ) Well Educated program, a program that provides well owners with materials to sample their well water quality. Because of the evolving quality issue facing WBYC WSD, many private well owners took advantage of services offered through Extension. Together, MSU Extension – Yellowstone County and WBYC WSD distributed over 170 tests kits and increased water quality awareness throughout the Yellowstone Valley. Through the collaborative efforts, private well owners have not only tested their wells at a lower cost but have also educated themselves on their own water quality. Educating well owners decreases the risk of water born illnesses and nitrate-related issues. Furthermore, awareness regarding what to test, how to treat wells, and the importance of regular maintenance expanded throughout the county courtesy of MSU Extension resources. MSU Extension Yellowstone County continues to work with the Worden and Ballantine communities, WBYC WSD, and MSUEWQ program to analyze the data. By collecting and analyzing the private well owner results, the MSUEWQ will be able to offer an overall picture of the emerging issue. Furthermore, WBYC WSD is working with their board of advisors and Department of Environmental Quality to consider their options – a vital step in assessing how to best provide safe water in their community.
An example of Well Educated test kits distributed to well owners.