Big Mountain residents under boil water notice

Many residents on Big Mountain were placed under a boil water notice Monday, Dec. 3. The notice is expected to be lifted later this week.  

Early in the morning on Dec. 3., Big Mountain Water Company’s system alarms indicated a break in a 10-inch water supply main line. Crews isolated the break and excavated the area to begin repairs.  

The repairs were completed by Tuesday night, Dec. 4, and service was back up and running. However, the boil water notice remained for at least another week.  

Only those on the lower pressure zone of the Big Mountain water supply have been affected. 

An update on Thursday, Dec. 5, stated that the system had to be chlorinated and the chlorination must be flushed and test clear before the advisory can be lifted.  

According to the Big Mountain Water Company, the process to restore safe water that began on Dec. 4 will take up to 10 days. The statement said the company realizes the situation poses a significant inconvenience but is necessary. 

The break was poor timing for Whitefish Mountain Resort’s opening day on Thursday, Dec. 5. No free drinking water was available in the village area or at the Base Lodge. The Summit House has its own well, so it was not affected.