Montana Drinking Water Scrutinized

Montana farms’ soil runoff and fertilizer use are scrutinized in a recent drinking water report from the Environmental Working Group, a non-profit organization.  They rounded up tap water data for almost 50,000 United States utilities where nitrates and trohalomethanes are a problem.  Nitrates, at 10 parts per million or higher, can harm infants under the age of six months.  Children who drink the water could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die.

Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue-baby syndrome.  Sources include runoff from fertilizer use; leaking from septic tanks, sewage and erosion of natural deposits. TTHMS are a byproduct of drinking water disinfection.  It is formed when chlorine bonds with organic matter, and TTHMS can– over several years– cause liver, kidney or central nervous system problems, and/or an increased risk of cancer.  Read more at; billingsgazette.com