Montana

Eureka, Montana (population 1,200), has a water system run by their Public Works Department (PWD).  There was a small water district a few miles down the road which had a population of 200.  The district was once independent.  In the last 10 years it had lost its operator and fallen into disrepair.  The solution was for Eureka to take over the system. Public officials from the state worked with the water district leaders and now Eureka’s PWD operates both systems.  The District then was disbanded.

In eastern Montana a Tribal Government as well as about 15 small towns and water districts have had trouble with wells and water systems.  The solution was for the communities and Tribal Government to work together to form a regional water system.  Today the Dry Prairie Regional System has one water treatment plant. Pipes connect all the small towns and the Tribal community. The groups worked together to provide good quality and adequate quantity of water to all.  This effort was the result of Local, State, Federal and Tribal agencies working together.  Currently the population on the system is 15,000.  Once it is fully built out, the regional water system is expected to serve a population of 30,000.

For questions or more information, please e-mail Anna Miller at annam@mt.gov or call her 405-530-8800