MONTANA: Study Finds Groundwater Contamination
A shallow groundwater systems study by the University of Montana Flathead Lake Biological Station concluded that rapid population growth in the Flathead Basin and the proliferation of onsite systems could increase risk for groundwater contamination.
In Phase 1, researchers sampled 17 wells for volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds. Most samples showed contamination, including traces of chloroform, arsenic or uranium. Acetaminophen, sunscreen, insect repellent, and caffeine were among the personal-care products found.
The complexity of the underground water system, and particularly its connection to the Whitefish and Flathead Rivers, makes it difficult to analyze. Researchers will expand their data
