Montana Army National Guard soldiers from the Libby detachment jumped into action last week when a major water leak at the Montana State Prison left the facility without potable water necessary for drinking, cooking and food preparation.

According to a news release from the Montana National Guard Public Affairs Office in Ft. Harrison, the Montana Army National Guard deployed eight members of the Company A, 372nd Division Sustainment Support Battalion (DSSB) to ensure a steady supply of potable water for the employees and inmates at the Montana State Prison.

“The Montana National Guard continues to serve our communities, state and nation with pride and professionalism, even amid the current federal government shutdown,” said Brigadier General Trent Gibson, the Adjutant General of the Montana National Guard. “The Montana National Guard is deeply grateful for the continued support of our communities and the partnerships we share with the people of Montana, and we are honored to be asked to fulfill our oaths of service to our state with the full support of Governor Gianforte.”

Tasked with providing and delivering 15,000 gallons of potable water a day, eight soldiers quickly mustered within hours of notification on Friday, Oct. 10. After receiving their mission brief, soldiers prepared their vehicles before turning in for the night. This enabled them to depart Libby at 6 a.m. and arrive on site just after lunch to begin their mission.

The soldiers are deployed on site with three Load Handling System (LHS) Compatible Water Tank Rack Model, better known as a “Hippo.” The Hippo has a 2,000-gallon water tank and provides the Army with the capability to receive, store and distribute potable water for drinking, cooking, hygiene and cleaning purposes.

Reflecting the dual nature of their service, the soldiers are utilizing the skills and equipment that they would also call upon for their federal wartime mission.

“When the state calls, we answer—without hesitation,” said CPT Dan Warhank, the Company Commander of A Co, 372nd DSSB. “Our soldiers take immense pride in being ready to serve our fellow Montanans at a moment’s notice. Many dropped everything—families, jobs and personal plans—to ensure emergency water resupply reached the Montana State Prison without delay. That sense of duty and responsiveness is what defines us as citizen soldiers.”

Earlier this year, A Co, 372nd DSSB conducted a training rotation at the Army’s National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California. This ensured that the unit’s soldiers and equipment were ready when called upon. A Co, 372nd DSSB has its headquarters in Havre with detachments in Libby and Kalispell.

The soldiers will remain onsite until the restoration of services.

In an Oct. 16 press release from the Montana Department of Corrections, officials announced that its maintenance crews made progress on restoring water access to the Montana State Prison (MSP).

“In the face of the ongoing system failures, the Department of Corrections made progress today in restoring water access,” Montana Department of Corrections Director Brian Gootkin. “While we continue to make progress, we want to reiterate that building the replacement system is going to take time. As we move forward, we are committed to supporting our inmates and staff through this transition.”

Representatives from Sletten Construction and DLR walked the grounds at Montana State Prison Oct. 15 as they started work on a plan to replace the facility’s failing water system beginning this week. Funding for the water system replacement was allocated by the 2025 Montana Legislature earlier this year. House Bill 5 provided $21 million to pay for the infrastructure replacement which will serve new units under construction at the prison as well as existing structures.

In addition, maintenance crews replaced toilet valves in several units, restoring water to the Secure Adjustment Unit and units 1 and 2 on the high-security side of the facility. Tomorrow, the team will continue that work in units on the low-security side. Construction of the new water system was previously scheduled to begin in 2026.

“Restoring water to the units for inmates was a big win for us,” Gootkin said. “We hope tomorrow will be just as successful on the other side of the compound. In the interim, we’re doing everything we can to keep everyone as comfortable as possible using bottled water, portable toilets, portable showers, hand-washing stations and more.”

To help keep inmate spirits up, visitation at MSP will resume this weekend.

A Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) official inspected the prison Oct. 15 to provide technical assistance around the safety and adequacy of the facility’s temporary water system. DPHHS sanitarian Jenna Fisher evaluated the setup, which includes portable water stations, extra showers and handwashing stations.

"The temporary water system inspected today meets the highest standards to ensure the health and safety of MSP inmates and staff," Fisher stated after her visit which lasted several hours.

Fisher confirmed that the facility is supplying necessities—including portable restrooms, showers and bottled water — in quantities that exceed levels recommended by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Additionally, Fisher observed that the prison kitchen is maintaining safe sanitation by using disposable products and boiling water for food preparation areas. Laundry facilities remain fully operational. 

Emergency efforts underway at the prison are being funded through use of disaster emergency funds as allowed under Gov. Greg Gianforte’s emergency declaration last week. While it is too early to estimate total costs, more information will be shared as the scope and duration of response and repair efforts become clearer.