Sanders County — State and County officials have notified the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) that the Kennedy Creek water box has been associated with a Campylobacter outbreak. The Montana Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) has labeled this untreated water as a health concern and advised MDT to close off public access to the water.
After Sanders County Public Health officials confirmed multiple cases of infection from Campylobacter bacteria, the water from the untreated creek was tested and the presence of this bacteria was confirmed. Over 20 individuals have tested positive for the bacterial infection and have reported diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and fever after drinking water from the location.
On May 13, 2022, Sanders County Public Health officials posted a public notice advising against the consumption of water from this location. The County stated this water is not considered to be a safe source of drinking water. A sign is also posted at the site stating that the water is not safe for human consumption.
The untreated water is not from a spring but is, in fact, surface water that flows both above and below ground. The water is open to contamination from humans, animals, insects, and other forms of contamination typical of surface water.
Alternative accessible formats of this document will be provided on request. Persons who need an alternative format should contact the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Transportation, 2701 Prospect Avenue, PO Box 201001, Helena, MT 59620. Telephone 406-444-5416 or Montana Relay Service at 711.
