The town of Denton declared a drinking water emergency several days ago and is under a water boil advisory from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality after a chlorine injector failed at the town's treatment facility on May 10.
The device acts as a disinfectant to keep drinking water clean. Town officials say the quality of water produced could not be assured following the failure.
Mayor Stephenie Stolle says it has been a stressful few days, but she is proud of how quickly the town responded.
"It's making sure that we notified people quickly, and we went door to door, and, my public works director did most of the door to door and, just making sure everybody knew right away. And trying to get them clean, drinking water."
According to Stolle, Denton Foods and Big Spring Water out of Lewistown provided clean drinking water for the community.
"I think they came in after hours with truckload for us. And so we've been trying to provide here out of the town hall. And before they got here, our local grocery store, worked with us on making sure everybody had water, said Stolle."
For Moore's Farmers Oil location manager Billi Taylor, the advisory has not significantly impacted daily operations.
"It hasn't really affected us much here at our location. We mostly have a water cooler because Denton water's always been on the rough side. But I do think the town is taking good precautions and keeping people safe, said Taylor."
Denton resident John Drivdahl also thinks the town is handling the situation well — and he speaks from experience.
"Surprising to me how well the town of Denton fathers have handled the situation. It's, years ago, I was, in charge of the water at Big Timber for a period of about seven years. And I understand how things can go haywire, said Drivdahl."
Town officials say the disinfection device has been repaired and workers will continue to monitor and test the water supply to evaluate potential contamination. The town is also providing 1 gallon of water per day per person. The water boil advisory will be in effect through Monday and will be reassessed at that time.
(1st REPORT, MAY 12) The town of Denton is under a "boil water advisory" as of Monday, May 11, 2026. This is a boil advisory, not a boil order.
Civic leaders said in a news release that there was a "disinfection failure" at the water treatment facility on May 10th.
Due to the inability of the system to provide the minimum amount of treatment required, the quality of water can not be assured at this time.
As a precaution, the town is advising people to boil water before drinking or consuming it.
People are advised to not drink town water unless it has been boiled. They recommend bringing the water to a boil, letting it boil for one minute, and then let it cool before using.
The advisory states that boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice.
On Tuesday afternoon, civic leaders said that Big Spring Water is bringing a delivery of one-gallon jugs to the town hall later in the afternoon/evening.
The town will provide one gallon per person per day until this is resolved.
They advise people to check availability at the grocery store if you are in immediate need.
For more information, call Town Hall at 406-567-2571.
