Wibaux County

Wibaux County is the second smallest county by area in Montana covering 889 acres with a population of 937 people, with an eastern border on North Dakota. The Town of Wibaux is the county seat and the only incorporated town in the county. Wibaux was designated a county in 1914 and has a rich pioneer history. The first Extension agent in Wibaux County was Walter E. Botsford in 1917. He organized boys’ and girls’ clubs. The “corn clubs” had existed in the area since before 1914. Those clubs evolved into modern 4-H clubs. For more than 100 years, the MSU Extension Wibaux County office has been helping educate and meet the needs of a diverse clientele. Today, Wibaux County MSU Extension oversees programs in 4-H youth development, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Science and Horticulture. 

 

Well Water Testing

Water is essential for all life. Households use water to cook, drink, bathe, and for cleaning. With a clean, fresh supply of water, all these activities are unhindered. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, more than 43 million Americans use well water. Private well owners are responsible for the safety of their well water.

Well water is the main water source for residents and livestock in Wibaux County because surface water sources are sparse. Wibaux conducts monthly testing of well water supplied to homes inside the town boundaries. Well water testing outside of Wibaux is at the landowner's discretion. The Yellowstone River is part of the northwest county boundary and is the only river, and Beaver Creek is the only creek running through the county.

Aquifers in Wibaux County contain mineralized water. Elevated levels of certain minerals have adverse health effects on people and livestock. Mineralization can corrode pipes and fixtures, increasing the economic burden on residents. The county has deep wells reaching past 900 feet and shallow wells around 50 feet. Bacterial contamination of wells in the area adds to the need for well water testing.

Wibaux County MSU Extension has conducted a well water education workshop and partners with the MSU Well Educated Program in Bozeman. MSU Extension has distributed numerous water testing kits and increased local water testing and knowledge of the need for testing. Wibaux County MSU Extension will continue increasing awareness of the importance of well water testing, providing educational workshops and testing supplies, and continue helping residents access resources to correct well water quality issues.

Caption: Livestock tank utilizing well water.

Credit: Kelli Bacon

Wibaux County Health Fair

A blood test is an important part of yearly health checkups. Recognizing the importance of annual bloodwork in monitoring and early detection of disease/conditions, Wibaux County MSU Extension and the County Health Department facilitate a yearly health fair, which has become a tradition and is helpful for rural residents who often travel for medical care. Last April, 225 people (almost a quarter of the county population) utilized the health fair for yearly bloodwork. The program is a popular event and draws some people from neighboring counties to utilize Wibaux County Health Fair resources.

Caption: The County Health Department Nurse at the Health Fair.

Credit: Patti Goroski

Soil Testing Services Increase the Sustainability of Land Use

Wibaux County is primarily an agricultural county, and the sustainability of land resources is important to the livelihood of many. Soil health affects the groundwater, crops, grazing, animal health and overall land use. Soil testing is an efficient and cost-effective method to manage land resources with data rather than guesswork. Wibaux County MSU Extension educates residents about soil testing and soil health through workshops, one-on-one consultations, and on-site evaluations and by providing soil testing resources and support in identifying issues and working toward a solution.

Caption: Hay Production in Wibaux County.

Credit: Kelli Bacon

Contact

P.O. Box 345
Wibaux, MT
406-839-1558
https://www.montana.edu/extension/wibaux/