PFAS in Montana

PFAS in Montana’s drinking water

Drinking water is one of the primary routes by which PFAS enters the human body. The chemicals can infiltrate public water systems and private wells through wastewater discharge, leaking storage facilities, or runoff from contaminated soil. In Montana, several cities and towns have already reported PFAS levels above the currently advised thresholds. According to the EPA, even relatively small concentrations of certain PFAS in water can have health implications, especially with long-term exposure.

Contaminated sites and affected cities

Recent tests indicate that Kalispell’s drinking water has shown elevated PFAS levels, including PFOS detected at 330 times higher than the current interim health advisory level set by the EPA. Government agencies trace these discoveries to possible local sources like fire training sites and industrial runoff. In July tests, one of the Grandview Wells in Kalispell recorded 6.6 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOS, and the Armory Well showed 5 ppt for PFHxS. While levels may fluctuate with environmental factors, the presence of these chemicals above recommended thresholds raises alarms among local communities.

Hamilton also recorded PFAS contaminants below EPA advisory levels, yet the detection still underscores the need for continued testing. Montana’s Department of Environmental Quality, alongside federal partners, is gathering ongoing sampling data to determine the extent of PFAS infiltration—both in public water systems and in private wells that may not be regularly tested.

Common PFAS sources: AFFF, landfills, industrial waste

Firefighting foams containing AFFF remain a leading cause of PFAS contamination worldwide. In Montana, training exercises at airports and military bases historically released AFFF into the ground. Some industrial sites also used PFAS-laced solvents or production agents, which ended up in local discharge streams or, later, in landfills. When rains or melting snow soak through landfill waste, PFAS chemicals can dissolve and spread into groundwater.

On top of that, older consumer products—like stain-resistant carpets, packaging materials, and upholstery—could degrade in landfills over time, releasing PFAS. Although major producers phased out certain chemicals like PFOA and PFOS in the early 2000s, newer PFAS compounds have taken their place, and research on their safety is still ongoing.

Montana DEQ and EPA water quality data

Montana’s DEQ collaborates with the EPA to monitor PFAS throughout the state’s water supplies. Under forthcoming federal standards, Montana will be required to adopt water safety regulations for PFAS and enforce them in public water systems. At the moment, the DEQ is focused on:

• Testing municipal wells in higher-risk areas like Kalispell

• Providing guidance to residents on well testing

• Sharing results with local health officials and community leaders

The EPA, in turn, aims to finalize drinking water standards for key PFAS chemicals under the Safe Water Drinking Act. Once these standards are set, Montana will have two years to implement them. This process involves stringent testing, data collection, and, if necessary, remediation measures to ensure public safety.

PFAS in Montana’s soil and environment

Soil contamination in Montana can stem from industrial spills, landfill leachate, and the use of biosolids or wastewater sludge on farmland, which may contain PFAS. If not controlled, these chemicals can move from soils into local water sources or even enter the food chain through plant uptake. Some PFAS can also volatilize under certain conditions and travel through the air, though water routes are typically the more common pathway.

How PFAS reaches soil: Wastewater sludge, irrigation, fire training sites

Wastewater treatment plants sometimes produce sludge used as a fertilizer in agricultural settings. In areas where PFAS-laden wastewater is processed, these byproducts could transfer PFAS into fields. Over-irrigation can also enable leaching, letting PFAS chemicals seep deeper into soil layers and eventually reach groundwater.

Fire training sites, found at firefighting academies or military installations, often include dedicated pits where AFFF is repeatedly used. Historical records show that these areas in Montana might contain higher levels of PFAS, especially around older training fields. When soils are disturbed or eroded, PFAS can migrate further, impacting neighboring farmland or surface waters.

Risks to crops, wildlife, and local food chains

Once in the soil, PFAS can accumulate in root or leaf tissues of crops, feeding into the local food supply if those plants are later consumed by people or livestock. This phenomenon raises questions about safe residue levels on crops like wheat, barley, or pulse crops, which are staples in Montana’s agricultural economy. Wildlife feeding on contaminated vegetation can also carry PFAS up the food chain, potentially affecting fish, birds, and mammals relied upon by Montana hunters and anglers.

Such environmental dynamics could amplify health risks over time, subjecting communities to continuous low-level exposure through diet. Land managers, farmers, and environmental scientists are investigating more rigorous approaches to containing or reducing PFAS in soils, such as phytoremediation trials that aim to trap the chemicals using specific plant species with deeper root systems.

Health effects of PFAS exposure

I have reviewed multiple studies confirming that prolonged or high-level PFAS exposure may damage the immune system, impair liver function, and disrupt normal hormone levels. The National Toxicology Program classifies certain PFAS, like PFOA and PFOS, as immune hazards that can reduce antibody responses to vaccines. Additional risks have been observed in:

• PFAS are implicated in higher rates of kidney cancer and renal dysfunction.

• Some individuals experience thyroid disease or hormonal shifts, possibly linked to PFAS interference with glandular activity.

• Elevated levels of specific liver enzymes are common in those with elevated PFAS exposure.

Children and pregnant women may face more severe impacts. Fetal development depends on a healthy hormonal environment, which PFAS can disrupt, and children’s smaller bodies might accumulate higher concentrations relative to their size. Researchers also want to better understand how PFAS might contribute to testicular cancer in younger men, reflecting concerns about reproductive health.

Diseases linked to PFAS in Montana

Since PFAS contamination has been detected in multiple regions of Montana, I have focused on the diseases most commonly associated with these chemicals. While not everyone exposed will develop adverse health outcomes, certain conditions are repeatedly mentioned in scientific literature and local studies. Among these are kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid and liver disease, immune system dysfunction, and reproductive concerns.

Kidney and testicular cancer

Researchers have found that PFAS, particularly PFOA, may increase the risk of renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer). The CDC released a health alert on January 26, 2024, highlighting a heightened kidney cancer risk among populations with elevated PFAS exposure. In Montana, contaminated sites around military bases have come under scrutiny for potential connections to elevated cancer rates. Similarly, testicular cancer is another concern. This disease typically affects younger men, and some research suggests a link between PFAS exposure and the development of testicular tumors.

Thyroid and liver disease

PFAS may disrupt endocrine functions by binding to proteins that regulate thyroid hormones. People with prolonged exposure could experience symptoms of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Liver disease, including changes in enzyme levels and potential for fatty liver, may also arise. Montana communities near industrial sites with PFAS-laden waste often undergo targeted screenings, though widespread testing for thyroid or liver disease specifically linked to PFAS is not yet standard.

Immune system dysfunction

Immune-related disorders, such as ulcerative colitis, have drawn attention from experts studying PFAS. According to emerging research, PFAS can trigger inflammation and immune dysregulation, which might exacerbate or increase susceptibility to autoimmune conditions. If the immune system is constantly activated due to PFAS exposure, there could be downstream effects on a person’s ability to fight infections or respond to vaccines effectively.

Pregnancy and reproductive harm

Pregnant individuals with substantial PFAS exposure face risks that include low birth weight and potential developmental delays in newborns. Because PFAS persist in the body, they can transfer through the placenta and breast milk, compounding exposure for infants. This area of research remains a high priority for federal agencies, which aim to gather more data on how PFAS might impact fertility, birth outcomes, and childhood development.

How is Montana responding to PFAS contamination?

Montana is in the process of formulating strategies to address PFAS contamination. I have noticed increased cooperation between local, state, and federal agencies over the last several years. This collaboration aims to protect public health and guide effective remediation efforts while also clarifying who holds legal and financial responsibility for cleanup.

State and federal monitoring efforts

Both the Montana DEQ and the EPA lead sampling programs to identify and measure PFAS levels in water supplies. Results inform policy decisions and determine whether intervention plans become necessary. These measures include contaminant mapping, groundwater monitoring, and pilot projects to remove PFAS from drinking water through treatment processes. Federal guidelines on PFAS, which vary from state to state, are expected to become more uniform once the EPA finalizes nationwide drinking water standards.

Public health guidance and drinking water advisories

As new data come in, health advisories may be issued for specific communities where PFAS levels exceed the EPA’s interim guidance. This can trigger immediate steps such as:

• Temporary usage restrictions on tap water

• Shipment of bottled water to residents with contaminated wells

• Testing expansion to nearby neighborhoods

State and local health departments frequently coordinate educational outreach so that residents understand best practices for reducing exposure. Certain volunteer groups in Montana also work with local authorities to identify well owners who should consider sampling for PFAS.

Local government and community action

Montana’s communities have mobilized to address PFAS concerns. Some municipalities have begun exploring advanced filtration technologies like granular activated carbon or reverse osmosis at the municipal level. In other cases, local governments allocate funding to assess and remediate older firefighting training sites.

Community forums and town hall meetings allow residents to ask questions and share personal concerns about health, property values, and daily safety precautions. These discussions have prompted broader involvement of universities, environmental organizations, and medical professionals who offer expertise on contamination and emerging research.

Can you test your water or soil for PFAS in Montana?

Testing for PFAS is available through certified laboratories, and the Montana DEQ can often provide a list of recommended facilities or sampling protocols. If you rely on a private well, you may need to conduct testing at your own expense. Costs vary depending on whether you test for a single chemical or a broader panel. Accurate sampling is vital because many PFAS occur at very low levels, measured in parts per trillion.

For soil testing, the procedure typically involves taking core samples at multiple depths to assess how far PFAS might have migrated. Agricultural producers in areas near known contamination sites, such as around Great Falls or Kalispell, may choose to have both water and soil tested to evaluate potential crop uptake.

Do you qualify for a PFAS lawsuit in Montana?

I have seen a surge in legal actions involving PFAS contamination, with plaintiffs aiming to recover medical costs and damages from companies or agencies responsible for polluting local water sources. In Montana, individuals who have experienced adverse health effects—like kidney cancer or autoimmune disorders—could explore legal options if they can link those outcomes to PFAS exposure. If you suspect that PFAS contamination has impacted your household, you might be eligible for a claim.

To learn more about PFAS lawsuits, you can visit the Legal Claim Assistant’s dedicated resource at PFAS Lawsuit. This page provides more detail on how lawyers handle PFAS-related cases and the potential compensation available to those affected. You could also review their water contamination lawsuit page or their Dupont lawsuit overview to see how large-scale litigation handles PFAS claims across the United States.

Why choose Legal Claim Assistant

Legal Claim Assistant is a resource that connects individuals with experienced attorneys specializing in PFAS contamination cases. By providing free case reviews, the service offers an accessible path for people in Montana to learn whether they qualify for a lawsuit. From my perspective, the main benefits include:

• A nationwide network of attorneys focusing on PFAS litigation

• Personalized attention, ensuring your health concerns and property details are documented

• Knowledge and resources to hold companies and agencies accountable for contamination

• Guidance on possible legal remedies, including settlement options or trial proceedings

If you think your water has been affected by PFAS or have experienced health complications, Legal Claim Assistant can help you find qualified legal representation at no upfront cost.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Montana residents often have many questions about PFAS, especially as more contamination cases come to light. Below, I have gathered some of the most commonly asked questions based on my research and conversations with local communities.