Water and Sewer district continues to clean lines

The Bigfork Water and Sewer District continues to clean water lines in Bigfork to try to remove coliform bacteria from the water supply.

Chlorination and flushing in February did not completely eliminate the bacteria, according to a news release from the Bigfork Water & Sewer District.

“Unfortunately, chlorine injection can only do so much when the water is not moving through the system because of the winter population reduction,” the news release noted.

The district will continue to flush the mains for two weeks before resampling the water. If the problem persists, the district will chlorinate during March. 

People do not have to boil their water, which does not contain E. coli or fecal cloriform bacteria. Though the district warns people with severely compromised immune systems, infants and some elderly residents may be at increased risk and should consult their health care providers.

“This is not an emergency,” the press release from District Manager Julie Spencer and operations manager Andy Loudermilk said.

The district took 11 samples to test for the presence of coliform bacteria during Feburary. Three samples showed the presence of total coliform bactera.

The standard is that no more than one sample per month may show bacteria.

Coliforms are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other bacteria may be present. Usually coliforms are a sign that there could be a problem with the treatment or distribution pipes, a sewer district public notice said.

The Bigfork Water & Sewer District continues to work closely with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality to restore the water system.

Anyone with questions can call 837-4566.