We all need clean water.  We drink it.  We fish, swim, boat and enjoy it in our streams and lakes.  It irrigates our crops, is used by our businesses, and helps keep our yards and parks green.  The Lewis and Clark County Water Quality Protection Districthas worked to preserve, protect, and improve water quality and quantity since 1992.

WQPD Board Meeting - July 23, 2019, Canceled at 5:30, Room 226 of the City-County Building, 316 N. Park Ave.  Board Agendas

LHWG Meeting -Latest meeting held April 11, 2019.  Visit the LHWG website for more information.  LHWG

**2019 Flood Information**

Flood season has arrived and the WQPD would like to remind everyone to WATCH THE SIGNS!  Below are some very helpful links for you to view that will provide information on groundwater levels, wells and septic systems. 

Your Well:What to Do After the Flood - WQPD

Drink Safe Water - CDC

Managing Your Septic System During/Following a Flood - L&C Public Health

NEW - Groundwater levels in the Tenmile Creek Area - Check the groundwater levels in the Tenmile Creek area.  Water levels will vary depending on location. Check back periodically as we are updating levels weekly. 

The WQPD's monitoring plan to collect groundwater information in the Tenmile Creek flood zone during flooding events.

 Click here for results and discussions on groundwater levels, recharge, and other factors that led to the 2018 flooding in the Helena Valley.

Helena Valley Flood meeting information-

The County, the Valley Flood Committee and the COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disasters) sponsored a series of three meetings beginning in January that provided the community with information on the 2018 flood, how to prepare for future flooding, and hands-on activities of ways to protect you and your home. 

 If you were unable to make any of the informative flood meetings, the WQPD provided the  presentations for you to view.  They offer helpful links in case you you want to track water levels both with surface water and groundwater. 

As you are scrolling through the slides, please note the conversation box in the upper left hand of each slide of the WQPD presentations.  A description and/or explanation of the slide was provided for each.Please let your neighbors know that this information is here. 

January 24th WQPD presentation,

February 28th WQPD presentation,  

Feb 28th NWS Presentation

County Agencies Contact Information:

Disaster & Emergency Services, 406-447-8285 - Public Information Hotline, 406-447-1605

Environmental Health, 406-447-8351 - Drinking Water, Well Safety, Sewage, Septic Systems

Public Health, 406-457-8900 - Food Safety, Mold, Shelter Inspections, Disease Control

Public Works, 406-447-8037 - Road Repair, Bridge Repair, Culverts

Sheriff's Office, 406-457-8235 (non-emergencies) - Evacuation, Traffic Control, Road Closures

Planning & Floodplain Administration - 406-447-8394  

Is your well water safe?  Find out.  Reduced Cost Water Sampling Kits Available  Annual well water testing is the only way to know if your water is safe.  Stop by the City-County Building, room 230 to pick up your drinking water sampling kit.  This kit is offered at a reduced cost, plus you can receive an additional $25 reimbursement from the L&C Conservation District. For more information on the program click here: MSU Extension Water Quality

Montana Water Supply Report - Spring 2018

Stream Gage reports - Surface Water Assessment and Monitoring Program

National Groundwater Awareness Week   was March 10-16, 2019 but anytime is a good time to sample your well.  Stop by and see us and let's talk about your well. 

This is a great reminder to test and protect your groundwater.  What will you do to protect your groundwater?  Take advantage of the reduced cost sampling program.  Kits are available at the City/County Building, Room 230.