‘Forever Chemicals’ Detected in Big Mountain Water Co. Wells

By Lauren Frick  | Flat Head Beacon | July 2, 2026

Read the full article by Lauren Frick (Flat Head Beacon)

"Routine sampling of Big Mountain Water Co. wells on April 27 uncovered detectable levels of two federally monitored “forever chemicals” compounds, with one well registering more than double the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-established maximum contaminant level, according to a public notice sent to the water company’s customers earlier this month. 

Lab tests revealed the samples from two of the company’s six wells showed detectable levels of two federally monitored per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): PFOA and PFOS, according to the June 17 public notice. 

PFAS, known as “forever chemicals” because of the amount of time required for the compounds to break down, are linked to a variety of health risks and come from man-made materials."

Location:

• North AmericaUS
• North AmericaUSMontana

Topics:

• ChemicalsPFAS
• Environment
• Remediation
• Filtration
• ImpactDrinking water
• ImpactDrinking waterPrivate wells
• Affected community
• Health
• Measurement Techniques
• Monitoring Data