Flathead Basin fish free of forever chemicals

By Hailey Smalley | Daily Inter Lake | May 1, 2026

Read the full article by Hailey Smalley (Daily Inter Lake)

"Testing by state wildlife officials in 2023 found no evidence of so-called forever chemicals in the Flathead River and Flathead Lake.

Out of 14 sites tested, the Northwest Montana waterbodies were the only ones that showed no signs of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, better known as PFAS.  

Widely used in manufacturing since the 1940s, the long-lasting chemicals have built up in water, soil and animal tissues across the country. Recent studies have linked exposure to high levels of PFAS to increased risk of reproductive defects, development delays and some cancers in humans."

Location:

• North AmericaUS
• North AmericaUSMontana

Topics:

• ChemicalsPFAS
• Environment
• Wildlife
• Affected community
• Health