Residents Located West And North Of The Missouri River Asked To Limit Water Usage

GREAT FALLS, MT  – May 11, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — The City of Great Falls is asking residents located west and north of the Missouri River (homes located in Neighborhood Council Districts 1, 2, 3, & Black Eagle) to limit their water usage, specifically in regards to watering and irrigating their yards. The City is asking that those addresses ending with an odd number water only on odd calendar days and those addresses ending with an even number water only on even calendar days.  The restriction will be in effect until June 5, 2015.

The restriction is due to a major water main replacement project located between Oddfellows Park and Broadwater Bay Boat Ramp.  This 30-inch water main is the largest water main in the City’s system. The main runs across the river and feeds the areas west and north of the Missouri River.  During the period of time the main is out of service, the City will not be able to provide enough water to residents west and north of the river if residents continue to irrigate and water their yards at a normal rate.

This project replaces a 30-inch main that was installed in 1973.  This portion of water main has been failing with more frequency and causing water shortages.  Water main breaks usually result from external corrosion of the pipe. In Great Falls, many of the water main breaks are caused from the age of the pipe and corrosive soils.

The project has been broken into two phases.  Phase I is scheduled to be completed by June 5. The completion of Phase I will allow the City to utilize the existing 30-inch water main temporarily while Phase II is being completed.  United Materials of Great Falls is the contractor on the project.

The City of Great Falls appreciates residents’ patience and cooperation while this water main is under construction. Notice will be provided if Phase I is completed before June 5 and water restrictions can be lifted.  For questions regarding the water main repair project, contact Rick Johnson, project manager, at 771-1258 or Mike Judge, Utility System Manager, at 727-8390.

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