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Boulder Residents Warned Not to Use Tap Water Due to Compromised Tank

By KFBB News Team

Story Created: Mar 24, 2010 at 9:22 AM MST

Story Updated: May 11, 2010 at 12:34 PM MST

Imagine not being able to drink or even use the water coming into your own home. That's exactly the case in the city of Boulder, which is just south of Helena. All residents there have been warned not to drink or even bathe in the water.

City officials first began notifying Boulder residents to not drink or use water later last night after discovering the water storage tank had been compromised.

Boulder Mayor Gary Craft said, "The state is now testing for both chemical and biological contaminants, we have no clue what and if anything is even in there."

So today, every precaution was taken so that residents, students, and visitors did not have to use the water.

Jefferson High School Superintendent Jim Whealon notified the students right away and closed off sinks, bathrooms, and drinking fountains.

Since being notified of the situation last evening, the owner of the local grocery store has been stocking up on water from Helena. While the owner Laurie Vessler is seeing a constant flow of people buying water, today's precautions are having a negative effect on other parts of his store

He had to close his coffee bar, fountain bar, and shut down the meat room because there was no way to sanitize the equipment. He added that it is an inconvenience, but one he will deal with.

Free water did arrive shortly after noon today for residents to fill up on. A few of the community members did say they aren't too worried or upset about today's inconveniences. As the say goes, they are just happier to be safe, rather than sorry.

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