Donations are pouring in to help residents and students in Ballantine and Worden who are without drinkable tap water.
Within recent days, Yellowstone Valley Electric, the Billings Heights Albertsons store, Godfather's Pizza, Nemont Telephone and EBMS of Billings have all made donations, according to the Worden Ballantine Yellowstone County Water & Sewer District.
Yellowstone Valley Electric donated four pallets of water in one-gallon containers, which includes four containers per case. Distribution will begin at the Project Mercantile Store in Worden from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10. It's a chance for residents to pick up a week's supply or more, according to the water district.
The Billings Heights Albertsons store has donated 10 pallets, and eight were stored at Huntley Project schools.
In addition, the water district has an enclosed semi trailer behind its downtown Worden office with two pallets of water donated by Godfather's and two pallets from Nemont Telephone (one of which is at Huntley Project schools.)
EBMS of Montana also sent a pickup truck full of water with two employees to unload at the Bethlehem Congregational Church in Worden, which has a daycare and preschool.
Residents in the two communities, which include Huntley Project schools, were advised last month by state and county health officials to avoid drinking the water because of high nitrate levels.
State officials say the groundwater is likely being contaminated by surface water, and a solution, such as a new water treatment plant, will likely take years and possibly cost millions.
To donate or volunteer, call Gary Fredericks at 406-696-5507 or the Worden Ballantine Yellowstone County Water & Sewer District at 406-967-2550.
