On May 2, 2023, the Town of Hysham was issued a Do Not Consume Advisory from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality effective immediately for the Town’s water system.  A copy of the full Do Not Consume notice can be viewed here.

What does this mean:

• The use of bottled water is recommended at this time. Do not use the water for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, making baby formula or food preparation. Bottled water should be used for all of the above necessities until further notice.

• People with severely compromised immune systems, infants and some elderly may be at increased risk when exposed to contaminated water. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

• Fecal coliforms and E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special risk for infants, young children and people with severely compromised immune systems. The symptoms above are not caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice. People at increased risk should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.

The Town is continuing to work towards improvements at the water treatment plant that will restore water quality as quickly as possible.  Updates to the status and health advisory as available will continue to be posted on the website.