Public Works Utility Branch
Utility System Information
Service Area
The City utility system consists of 283 miles of water mains; 2,837 fire hydrants; 20,000 water meters; 221 miles of sewer mains; 3,320 manholes; 107 miles of storm drains and 3,940 storm manholes.
The City of Great Falls is authorized to provide water service only to those areas which have been annexed into the city limits. Any person living outside the city limits and wishing to obtain water service from the city must be annexed to the city. You may call the City-County Planning Office at 771-1180, ext. 338 for information on annexation.
All buildings within the City limits must be connected to city sewer. Septic tanks, cess pools, etc. are not lawful in city limits except by special provision.
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Water Service Lines
Before any water service line work is done, a water service line permit must be purchased at the Planning and Community Development Department. Other permits related to water service work are also purchased at Community Development. The Community Development Office is located at the Civic Center, 2 Park Drive; phone (406)771-1180, ext. 302.
To arrange for a water tap call the City of Great Falls Utility Department at 727-8045.
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Water or Sewer Main Installation or Repair
Whenever property is to be developed or served with water service, and existing water mains are not already installed, the developer or his representative shall contact the Engineering Division of Public Works (771-1258) to determine whether or not water service can be provided. If water mains do not exist along the frontage of proposed property development, contact Mike Judge of the Utility Systems Division of Public Works--(406)727-8390 for further information.
Anyone wishing to install, lay, repair, extend, alter, relocate, replace or modify any water or sewer service line must obtain a proper license from the Planning and Community Development Department located at the Civic Center. There are required permits which are also obtained through the Planning and Community Development Department;(406)771-1180, ext. 302.
Permits:
- Right-of-Way Permit: Required for all exavations within the public right-of-way other than excavations for curbcuts, driveways and sidewalks which have separate permits.
- Fire Line Permit: Required for repair or installation of any water service used as a dedicated fire line.
- Curb Permit: Required prior to any excavation, removal, replacement of concrete curb or curb and gutter in a dedicated right-of-way.
- Sidewalk Permit: Required prior to any excavation, removal, and replacement of concrete sidewalk in a dedicated right-of-way.
- General Plumbing Permit: Required when any water service piping is repaired, altered or installed.
- Razing Permit: Required whenever a building is to be moved or torn down and the water and sewer lines are to be cut-off or abandoned within the right-of-way.
- Building Sewer Permits: Required for residential and commercial service. Plans, specifications and other pertinent information must accompany the application.
Large Water Taps
To install a water line three inches or larger, the property owner or developer will hire a contractor who will supply the materials.
The contractor also installs and pressure checks the installation of the tapping tee and valve in the presence of an inspector from the City of Great Falls' Engineer's Department.
There is a $100 inspection fee. The charge from the City to the contractor for making the tap is based on the size of the tap and the hourly rate charged for equipment and labor required to make the tap.
Once the tapping tee and valve have passed the pressure check, a city utility crew will tap the city water main. Water lines 3 inches and larger have to be pressure tested and chlorinated by the contractor. These tests are to be witnessed by an inspector from the City Engineer's Department. Purity samples are to be collected and tested by City of Great Falls Water lab personnel.
The applicant for the building sewer permit should notify the City Engineer's Department when the sewer is ready for inspection, tests and connection to the public sewer.
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Water and Sewer Tapping and Connection Fees
Water Tapping Fees:
The fee for any new or replacement tap being made on a water main is as follows:
| Fee for any new or replacement tap being made on a water main. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ¾" | 1" | 1½" | 2" | |
| 1 to 5 taps Fee per Tap: | $378 | $397 | $599 | $755 |
| 6 or more taps Fee per Tap: | $338 | $371 | $599 | $755 |
Fee includes installation of a corporation stop on the main and furnishing of corporation stop, curb stop and box. The cost of saddles, clamps and other extraneous fittings required for the tap will be billed extra.
Water Connection Fees:
| Water Service Line Size (inches) | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ¾" | 1" | 1¼" | 1½" | 2" | 3" | 4" | 6" | 8" | 10" | 12" | |
| Water | $352 | $391 | $- | $476 | $515 | $775 | $995 | $1,542 | $2,578 | $- | $5,168 |
Note: Fee shall be ADDED TO: General Plumbing Permit for extension to new buildings; or, Inspection Permits for larger diameter pipe.
Sewer Connection Fees:
| Water Service Line Size (inches) | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ¾" | 1" | 1¼" | 1½" | 2" | 3" | 4" | 6" | 8" | 10" | 12" | |
| Single Family Residential | $198 | ||||||||||
| Commercial & Multi Family Units | $198 | $370 | $- | $726 | $1,524 | $2,904 | $5,233 | $7,562 | $11,600 | $16,041 | $22,317 |
Fee is IN ADDITION TO the Inspection Fee, and is for connection of service line to sewer line, which does not include installation.
There is no fee for STORM SEWER connection.
Where one meter serves one multi-purpose development, either mobile home, multiple family housing units, local business, commercial, industrial, residential use zones or variances, the connection charge will be based on the size of the water tap.
If there is no water tap, the charge will be based on the sewage being discharged at the same ratio as for other sewer connections.
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Backflow Prevention Required
Backflow prevention is required on all fireline connections, sprinkler meters, pumped systems, high-rise buildings, hospitals, clinics, labs and any facility where there may be a possibility of backflow or backsiphonage which could contaminate our public water supply.
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Water Pressures and Flows
Water pressure varies throughout the city and is affected by the elevation at which the service is supplied and the reservoir or pumps which service your location. Pressure range varies from approximately 35 to 110 psi. Daily and seasonal usage may also cause pressure fluctuations. Pressure requirements for service are based upon average calculated pressures.
If you feel your pressure or flow is low, contact the City Utility Office at 727-8045. They will determine what your average pressure range should be. If the Department feels there is a problem, they will do a pressure test. From the test it can be determined if the service line going from the meter to the main has a problem or if internal building plumbing has restrictions.
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Meter Installation and Location
The city maintains approximately 20,000 water meters which are read monthly. The city furnishes all the water meters, however, customers must provide proper protection from freezing or other damage. Where proper protection is not furnished and the meter is damaged, the customer will be charged for labor and materials required to rebuild the meter. If the meter cannot be repaired, the customer is charged for a new meter to replace the damaged one. The meter must be located where it is easily accessible for reading and repairs. If the meter cannot be located in a home, a meter pit may be required. Costs for the pit and all labor are charged to the property owner. If you are siding your home and need the meter box moved, call Water Distribution at 727-8045. The meter can still be read from the wires left poking through the wall. For further information see the City Codes.
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Irrigation
Call Utility Dispatch at 727-8045.
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Firelines
All firelines and domestic lines over 2 inches in diameter must be of materials approved by the City of Great Falls. Licenses, applications and fees are available through the Community Development Office at 2 Park Drive, phone (406)771-1180, ext. 302. For further information see the City Code Title 13.
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Use of Fire Hydrants to Receive Water
Construction water can be provided through a fire hydrant. A permit has to be taken out at the City Utility Division. The City Utility Division (727-8045 or 727-8390) will set a hydrant valve and meter after the permit is taken out. You will be charged for water used. The permit is $50. A deposit of $500.00 is required for a 1" meter setting, and a deposit of $1500.00 is required for a 2" meter setting.
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Storm Drain Information
The property owner is responsible for providing facilities required to convey storm drainage to the storm drainage basins. The cost of installing these facilities in the city service area is charged in whole or in part to the property owner. Owners of property in elevated areas of the city share the cost of improvements through a monthly storm drainage service fee. For further information see the City Codes Title 13.
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