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.
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
If you have tested your water quality and identified a need for treatment, there is guidance below on treatment options. The Montana Well Educated Program provides private well owner education about water quality as it relates to health, and quality of life, they are a great resource for information on well and septic care and maintenance.
Several Resources for Flood Recovery
The following links include resources for after a flood, cleaning your home, rebuilding, and health and safety hazards.
Click here for a Printable 275 Form or 310 Form for work in streams, wetlands, floodplains or other water bodies.
Conservation District Contacts
Folks wanting to do work in or on stream banks (rip rap) would go to the Stillwater CD. sharon.flemetis@mt.nacdnet.net (406)-962-3641 ext. 105
Agriculture land & Irrigation infrastructure (ditches/canals) issues would go to the NRCS
Columbus Field Office (serves Stillwater Conservation District)
334 N. 9th Street
Columbus, MT 59019
Telephone: 406-322-5359
FAX: 855-510-7025
Irrigation loss (gated pipe, head gates) crop loss, silt deposits, livestock loss, and debris removal Stillwater County FSA Office (EWG Money application)
Dane Schneidt
County Executive Director
(406) 322-5348 ext 2
(855) 546-0421 fax
FEMA representatives are on the way and hopefully will be in the county by next week.Know that it will be a lengthy process and as much documentation as you can provide will be helpful.
Click here for downloadable step-by-step instructions for Flood Insurance Claims.
Stillwater MSU Extension
17 N 4th St
PO BOX 807
Columbus, MT 59019
Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent
Lee Schmelzer
lees@montana.edu
Phone: 406-322-8035
Family and Consumer Science Agent
Haley Barker
haley.barker@montana.edu
Phone: 406-322-8058
Stillwater County Sanitation
431 Quarry Rd ( West Annex)
PO BOX 1287 Columbus, MT 59019
Sanitarian-in-Training:
Shannon Fisher
sfisher@stillwatercountymt.gov
Phone: 406-322-8058