Chippewa Cree Tribe can't declare water safe

Thursday, June 7, 2007  

The Chippewa Cree Tribe of Montana says water restrictions on the Rocky Boy's Reservation will remain in effect until June 29.

The tribe issued a no-use order after the water system was mistakenly contaminated by a degreaser. Residents can't drink, cook, shower or otherwise use the water until all tests are completed by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Some households aren't affected and some people have turned to private wells. "Water is a basic daily need that people don't think about until it's lost or affected," a school superintendent told The Great Falls Tribune.

The tribe is holding a public hearing on Tuesday to discuss the issue.

Get the Story:
Rocky Boy's water woes will linger until June 29 (The Great Falls Tribune 6/7)

Related Stories:
Chippewa Cree Tribe hopes to declare water safe (5/29)
Rocky Boy's water supply contaminated (5/28)