Groundwater is a widely used source of domestic and stock water in the Wolf Point area. The City of Wolf Pont obtains all of its domestic water from groundwater sources. From the records provided by the Department of Natural Resources & Conservation – Glasgow Water Resource Regional Office, the earliest City well was drilled in 1951. Since then the City of Wolf Point has drilled a total of ten wells. Currently the City is utilizing two of the Wells, No. 8 & 10. The remaining wells were abandoned and plugged. These wells draw groundwater from an unconsolidated alluvial aquifer at a depth of 80 to 100 feet. Capacities of the wells range from 800 to 1000 GPM. Groundwater quality is generally considered poor with high levels of iron, magnesium and total hardness. The City of Wolf Point provides treatment (iron-magnesium removal and disinfection) for their well water prior to use.

The iron and manganese removal treatment plant was put on line in 1980. The water plan is a Tonka Equipment Dualator I gravity filter. In 1999, the filter media and filter nozzles were replaced. The inside of the filter was sand blasted and re-coated before replacing the media.

In 2002 a preliminary engineering report (PER) was completed by Kadrmas, Lee & Jackson of Williston, ND, to address some basic needs and deficiencies in Wolf Point’s water system. The existing water treatment facilities and water source were having problems supplying the quantity and quality of water to meet the public demands. In order to meet the demands of the system, an additional water source was provided, the water plant needed to be upgraded and expanded to adjust the corrosiveness of the water plus iron and manganese removal and increase in plant capacity. The PER also identified the distribution system’s water mains are under sized (4 inch) and the total volume of water storage needs to be increased in capacity. The study also offered several water source alternatives, treatment system alternatives, and distribution system replacements. The recommendations were taken under advisement and funding sources were being investigated. Estimated costs for these improvements ranged in price from $570,000 to $3,800,000.

As the research for a funding source continued, the Water Treatment Plant began to experience quite a few leaks during fiscal year 2004-05 in the super structure of the under grade portion of the plant and the problem seemed to be getting worse. In light of this information and the potential danger of a total plant failure, the City determined that it was now a structural emergency vs. a financial emergency. After an analysis of the cost of repairs to rehabilitate the existing plant, it was determined the cost would amount to approximately $3-4.00 per month per user and therefore, funding was obtained through Rural Development. Sometime after the first of the year in 2006, the city terminated treatment of the city’s water for these necessary repairs to be made. Enduring rusty water conditions which prevailed for a couple of months during the construction period, the citizens of Wolf Point were delighted when once again the water treatment plant was put back online.

The overall water distribution system consists of four (4) inch through twelve (12) inch ductile iron, asbestos cement or PVC water mains, gate valves, fire hydrants, water storage and a booster station. The distribution system is subdivided into two (2) separate areas to meet the needs of the community—referred to as the southern half and the northern half.

In some areas of the distribution system, there are some undersized (4 inch) mains. These areas have been identified and under the Water & Environmental Grant/Loan program awarded to the City in April, 2006, plans are in the making to replace the undersized mains (4 inch), associated hydrants, valves, and water service lines. Approximately 11,000 feet of mains are included in the north side project and 2,700 feet of mains for the south side project.

All water usage is metered, with the exception of the water used in the parks. Water accounts are billed a base rate for 3,000 gallons as either a residential or commercial account and a per gallon rate for water used over the 3,000 gallon minimum. In addition each account is billed for a hydrant & irrigation maintenance fee. The City offers a 25% sprinkling discount for the months of June, July & August. This discount is computed on the amount over the minimum charges for residential users only.

• 2007 (pdf)
• 2006 (pdf)

Ward Smith
Water/Wastewater Supervisor
201 4th Avenue South
Wolf Point MT 59201
Phone: 406-653-1040 or 653-1852
FAX: 406-653-3240
e-mail address: wpshop@nemont.net