The City of Billings has issued Stage 1, Water Restrictions in response to the record high temperatures and high water demands. The primary restriction is for properties that use the City’s treated water to water lawns. They are being asked, beginning August 2, not to water lawns on Mondays until further notice.
The restriction is to remain in effect until September 2 and applies to all residential, business, or government properties, including parks within the city limits whether served by the City of Billings or Heights Water District. Properties that use wells or ditch water are not subject to the restrictions.
The restriction is aimed at creating a reprieve for the operation of city equipment and to allow for its maintenance as well as to allow reservoirs to be filled.
The notice states, “The demand for water has been extremely high since the beginning of June necessitating the use of all treatment processes and equipment. Generally, this level of demand is only seen for a couple of weeks in August. This sustained operation at these demands and high ambient temperatures puts equipment at risk of failure. Additionally, low river conditions increase moss and debris scour which can clog treatment processes. To avoid equipment failure, demands need to be reduced to allow for maintenance. Also, with the sustained high demand, the reservoirs cannot be filled each day which results in lowered water pressure and less water available for fire protection.”
The notice also implored water users not to over-water on Tuesdays to make up for the Monday restriction.
They stated, “Should Stage 1 measures be effective, further restrictions in Stage 2 or Stage 3 can be averted.” Additional restrictions would include alternate day lawn watering, time of day prohibitions of lawn watering, or ban on lawn watering.
Residents can contact the Public Works Department at (406) 657-8230 with questions or concerns.
