Water Infrastructure Legacy In The Making – West End Water Project Groundbreaking Ceremony

The City of Billings is thrilled to announce the groundbreaking of the long awaited West End Water Project starting with the construction of the Treatment Plant which now has an official address, 4374 Hesper Rd.

The state-of-the-art facility will cater to the entire community as it efficiently serves area customers and minimizes the load on the existing plant.

“This crucial addition not only addresses the increasing water demands but also allows for the vital maintenance of the existing water treatment plant, a cornerstone of Billings since 1914”, according to the City’s Water Quality Superintendent, Louis Engels.

"We are proud to embark on this essential project that will ensure the safety and dependability of our water system," stated Mayor Bill Cole. "Our existing system is too vulnerable to mechanical problems, floods, and other disasters. The West End Water Treatment Plant will ensure reliable access to clean water for generations to come."

The project has reached a significant milestone with the signing of a $68 million contract with Dick Anderson Construction, a trusted local contractor. With their expertise, we are on track to complete the Water Treatment Plant which is set to become operational in late 2026. The West End Water Treatment Plant will be the first component of the west end water system to break ground. Other essential components of this project are in the design phase, including a diversion structure from the Billings Bench Water Association Canal, a pump station, and raw water storage reservoirs. Construction contracts for these components are expected to be signed later this year.

"Burns & McDonnell is pleased to contribute innovative designs to the West End Water Treatment Plant project," said Jason Schaefer, Water Group Manager in the Mountain Region for Burns & McDonnell, a 100% employee-owned engineering, architecture, and construction firm, who is serving as the engineering consultant on the project. "We believe in the power of sustainable infrastructure to create positive impacts, and we are committed to the success of this critical project for the City of Billings."

Exciting times are ahead as Billings dives into the future with a resilient and advanced water infrastructure!