Mud forces water restrictions in Chinook

So much muddy water is flowing through the Milk River that Chinook has temporarily restricted watering to indoor use.

"We're on total water restriction right now, no outside use at all. The dirt is really taking its toll on the (water treatment) plant," Bob Painter, supervisor of the Chinook water plant, said today.

The plant is having trouble treating the water quickly enough to keep the town's storage tanks full, Painter said.

The flow and mud is the result of the five-day snowstorm and rainstorm the area experienced starting June 7. For the first time in five years, Fresno Reservoir is full...