Due to much controversy over the interest of local water in last weeks publication, many locals have sought to do something to help the situation and to take action on behalf of Gebhardt's and the community good. One such person is Karen Varney. Karen sought out the DEQ independently as a water hauler from the water source, and is happy to share with the community the positive response. If you are a water hauler, take the time to thank Karen next time you see her, and particularly Kelly Gebhardt for the life giving gift of water.
"Good Afternoon! Thank you, Karen, for taking the time today to talk to me about the water that is available at Gebhardt Post Plant and Sawmill. As you are aware DEQ Public Water Supply Bureau received an anonymous complaint alleging that the sawmill allows the public to fill up water vessels with water from the well that serves the sawmill and that the use is enough to meet the definition of a public water supply. After talking to you about the water, I now understand that yes, people can come and fill up with water. You advised that the well is only available during normal business hours (8a -5p) because in the past the water hasn't been shut off and lines freeze and water is wasted causing problems, so it is locked after hours. When asked how many people fill up in a day you indicated that it was much less (maybe 5 people) than the 25 people a day needed to meet the definition of a public water supply. You said you haul water for your private use from this source and it takes you approximately 1 hour to fill your truck with less than a 500 gal load. Since the well is available for only 9 hours a day, there isn't enough time for 25 people to fill. Because you can't say for sure how many people actually fill up in a day, you indicated that you would begin keeping track of how many people fill. I agree that this would be a worthwhile endeavor.
We talked about the possibility that the county health department might regulate the sawmill as a multi-user system since the definition of public isn't met and it's not a private use. The sanitarian may be in to discuss those requirements and it would be good to have some data collected on the number of people using the well.
At this time assuming the use does not increase, the DEQ Public Water Supply Bureau agrees that Gebhardt Post Plant and Sawmill does not meet the definition of a public water supply.
Thank you for your time. Have a great day!"
Lisa Kaufman
Field Services Section Supervisor
Public Water Supply Bureau
Montana Department of
Environmental Quality
Office: 406-444-5313
Helena Office
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