Clark Fork River at Bonner Dam (then Clark Dam), 1908
Water Supply
Flood waters can infiltrate and contaminate private wells, springs, and cisterns. It is up to the owner to make sure the water is safe for consumption and domestic uses. After flooding, you should have the well disinfected and tested to make sure it’s safe.
The National Ground Water Association offers this information for wellowners, including actions to take in preparation for flooding: http://wellowner.org/
This DEQ Fact Sheet on Shock Chlorination Treatment of a well and water system offers a step-by-step approach to disinfecting a well or water system.
DEQ offers this Check Your Well website. DEQ also offers this site, go to Private Well Information. And this page of Important Information Links.
The State of Colorado offers this Fact Sheet on Residential Water Well Disinfection.
The State of Alaska offers this detailed Fact Sheet on Recovering from Flooded Drinking Water Systems.
Septic Systems
Safe disposal of of wastewater is essential to protect human health. Flooding can cause septic tanks to fill causing sewage to back up. If you suspect your wastewater system has been compromised by flood waters, contact your county health department and a licensed septic system installer or a licensed plumber to have it assessed. Do not use or flush your toilets until you know that the septic tank and associated sewer pipes are intact; otherwise, wastewater could flow back up into the house through the toilet, shower, bath and laundry drains.
Butte-Silver Bow and DEQ offer this Fact Sheet on addressing Flooded Septic Tanks.
The Montana Guide to Septic Systems covers important information to protect and maintain your system.
Fuel Tanks
Secure above-ground fuel storage tanks, including propane.
Preparing for Flooding
A number of precautions can be taken as soon as a flood warning is issued.
Move chemicals or hazardous materials above flood level to lessen the chance of spill or contamination.
Turn off power to underground storage tank systems.
Take a product inventory and water level reading to help account for possible product loss of storage tanks.
Secure all tank openings and make sure caps and other components are in good condition.
April 19, 2018: Governor Steve Bullock yesterday issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency due to flooding in seven counties, and on the Fort Belknap Indian reservation and in the Town of Chester. Rapid snowmelt and flooding have affected the Milk River Basin and Marias River Basin with the potential to cause widespread damage to farmland, private residences, and critical infrastructure. The executive order has been issued for the reservation, the town of Chester, and Pondera, Hill, Blaine, Valley, Toole, Liberty, and Petroleum Counties. The executive order authorizes the availability and utilization of necessary state government services, equipment and supplies. It also allows the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to utilize sandbags and other resources available for critical infrastructure protection.
The Montana Disaster & Emergency Services is the first contact for flooding and other natural disasters. Call: 406-324-4777 or contact by email: mtdes@mt.gov
The National Weather Service Forecast offices in Great Falls offers this Montana All-Hazards Weather Monitoring site.
Montana Department of Transportation offers this Flash Flood Watch and another Advisory. Both offer valuable information for travelers, but note carefully the date of each report.
The U.S. Geological Services offers WaterWatch for states. Real-time streamflow data can be compared against historic flows. Yellowstone River locations One and Two. Missouri River locations One, and Two.
A full listing of county and tribal health departments is maintained by DPHHS.
DEQ's Today's Air resource also documents activities throughout the state.