Conditions vary widely by site, but here are some general things to think about. All of them require different approaches, and we know what is required:
Water Hardness
Water is generally considered to be too hard when it reaches or exceeds 3 grains of minerals per gallon (3 GPG). To see the effects that varying degrees of hardness can have, read the article in the website that asks, “why do I need a water softener?”
Helena City Water
Helena has hard water, and it varies in hardness by location and time of year. In the winter and spring, Helena is fed primarily by Ten Mile Creek. This is runoff water that is around 6 GPG. In the summer and fall, it is supplemented by Missouri River water at around 15 GPG. And that can be supplemented by well water that runs from 15-25 GPG. The water received at any site varies by its location in the city and what source is feeding that location at the time.
Helena Valley Water
Well water is subject to a variety of different influences, including from septic tanks. The latter can cause an infusion of nitrates, and mineral concentrations vary greatly by location and well depth.
Uranium,
Iron, Nitrates, Arsenic, etc.
While any of these contaminants can be found anywhere, nitrates are common in the Helena Valley. Iron is often found in the valley, Birdseye, McDonald Pass, Clancy and Fox Ridge. Uranium can be found in Clancy, Lump Gulch, Montana City, and points further south. Arsenic is frequently found in Birdseye and Montana City water. These minerals require special approaches to treat properly, and they occur naturally. They are rarely mine-related.
