County announces free arsenic and uranium testing, water program details

The Lewis and Clark County Water Quality Protection District provides monitoring, outreach, investigations, and assistance aimed at preserving and improving local water quality and quantity. With free test kits available for arsenic and uranium through December 31, 2025, the district and county Public Health are encouraging residents with private wells or water quality concerns to obtain testing and seek interpretation of results from county staff.

The district operates under a three year strategic plan and convenes a board of directors to set priorities and review projects. Board meetings are public and offer both in person and Zoom attendance. The next meeting is scheduled for January 27, 2026, giving residents an opportunity to engage with staff, review project priorities, and raise local concerns.

On the technical side, the WQPD collects stream and groundwater data and publishes interactive maps and reports for public use. Groundwater level monitoring and area specific studies have been produced for locations such as Emerald Ridge and Fox View Estates. These datasets are intended to inform homeowners, developers, and local officials about trends in water availability and quality that can affect irrigation, property development, and household safety.

Current projects listed by the district include the Grizzly Gulch placer mine reclamation project and the Tenmile hydrologic outlook. The district also provides resources and guidance aimed at reducing contamination risk during development and helping homeowners understand treatment options when testing shows unsafe concentrations of contaminants.

Residents can pick up free test kits at the Lewis and Clark County Public Health office, and are advised to contact the Water Quality Protection District or Public Health for details on pickup locations, testing procedures, and interpretation of results. County contacts include hydrogeologists and outreach coordinators who can assist with reports, interactive maps, and the district strategic plan.

For households that rely on private wells, testing for arsenic and uranium is a practical step to protect health and property. Engaging with the district through testing, use of the public data tools, and attendance at board meetings will help ensure local water management decisions reflect community conditions and concerns.