Flood Recovery Resources

Check back for updates, we will continue to add more information and resources as they are made available to us.

Water testing kits are available through the Stillwater County MSU Extension Office or Stillwater County Environmental Health Department. 

Stillwater County Emergency Well Testing

As of Thursday, June 23rd, the Stillwater County Extension office will begin offering free bacteria water testing. A portable Colilert lab has been set up and results should be available the following day.

 
This program was quickly coordinated to streamline sampling for bacteria after flooding. The test provides reliable results for Total Coliform and E.coli, so that needed treatment can begin and safe drinking water restored as soon as possible. We are using EPA certified methods and equipment however this is not a state certified lab. If you need 
certified lab results, or want to test for other contaminants, you may prefer to use the Well Educated Program through 
Energy Labs in Billings, at your own cost.

Sample must be dropped off: between 8:00 AM and 2PM on a Tuesday or Thursday At the Stillwater County Extension Office 17 N 4th Street, Columbus MT.

Sample must be collected within 6 hours of being dropped off and kept cool duringtransport.

Results will be emailed to you from lees@montana.edu orstillwater@montana.edu. Please search your email for messages from this address in case the results go to junk mail or an unexpected folder.

Sample bottles are available at the Stillwater County Extension Office, Stillwater County Environmental health, or by mail. Please call 322-8035 if you are unable to get to Columbus to pick up bottles.

Cost of this screening is covered by Montana State University Extension; at No Cost to well owners.

Other Resources

If you need a paper form or need to use a computer please come to the MSU Stillwater County Extension office at 17 N 4th Street Monday through Friday or by appointment on the weekends.;

If you need help beginning the paperwork or filling out a form online, the Stillwater County Extension office has computers set up and can help you. We have paper forms, Well test kits , information on resources for after a flood, cleaning your home, rebuilding, and health and safety hazards. Well testing, shock chlorination. See links at the bottom of this page. 

Document, Document, Document: Take photos and list possessions and valuables that have been damaged. Visit the weblink below to get step-by-step instructions on the claim process.

Documenting Flood Damage

Streambank stabilization:

If you are planning to do work on or near a waterway in Montana, one or several permits may berequired. In the case of an Emergency- Stream-modification projects undertaken as an immediate response to flooding requires an Emergency Form 275. Landowners must contact the Conservation District within 15 days of taking the emergency action and submit the completed Emergency