DEER LODGE — Montana State Prison received clearance from state environmental officials Sunday to resume normal water operations throughout the facility, ending a weeks-long water emergency that disrupted operations and prompted an extensive emergency response.

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality rescinded the final boil water advisory for the prison's F Unit after water samples taken Oct. 27-28 showed acceptable results. Additional testing conducted on Nov. 1 in the Food Factory and both high-security and low-security dining rooms confirmed the water meets safety standards for consumption.

"This outcome is the result of a tremendous group effort, and we are thankful to everyone who played a role in helping us continue operations throughout this challenging situation," Montan

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