WATER-SEWER DISTRICT (WSD)
Watering Schedule
- Even-numbered addresses: water only on even-numbered calendar days.
- Odd-numbered addresses: water only on odd-numbered calendar days.
Please water during low‑evaporation hours (before 8:00 AM or after 9:00 PM) to maximize efficiency and reduce loss to evaporation.
Community Well
The Meadow Hills water system is a Montana Department of Environmental Quality registered Community Public Water System. It is regulated the same as a municipal system (for example, the City of Kalispell) and complies with state requirements for operation, sampling, and reporting.
System components
- Two groundwater wells (both are ~185 feet deep), each producing 80–90 gallons per minute; they operate in tandem for redundancy but are not run simultaneously.
- 30,000‑gallon concrete storage tank
- Booster pump house
- Distribution mains: 6", 4", and 2" PVC piping
- All well infrastructure (wells, tank, and booster pump house) is secured within a fenced site between 345 and 355 Meadow Hills Drive
How the system works
- When demand rises, booster pumps automatically activate and deliver water from the 30,000 gallon reservoir into the distribution mains.
- As the reservoir level falls, level sensors signal the well pumps to start and refill the tank by drawing water from the aquifer.
- The storage tank provides pressure buffering so pumps cycle less frequently and the system can meet short term peak demand.
If you have questions about water quality testing, system maintenance, or service inquires, please contact the Meadow Hills Water and Sewer District.
Safety and Security
The Meadow Hills water system is continuously monitored by a cloud-based remote monitoring system with a cellular modem. The unit tracks reservoir level, power, and equipment status and automatically sends alerts (phone call, SMS/text, and email) to the water system operator and other designated contacts when predefined alarm conditions occur. Alerts are delivered immediately so the operator can respond promptly. Operator contact information is also posted on a sign on the utility enclosure fence.
The District contracts with Gavin Pirrie as the licensed water system operator. His responsibilities include EPA and Montana DEQ–required water sampling and reporting, monthly system inspections, and filing required documentation for a Community Public Water System.
Continuous Improvements and Redundancy
Overall, the Meadow Hills water system performs reliably with no significant water quality incidents and few mechanical problems. A second well was tied into the system in 2024 and is now fully operational, providing important redundancy in the event of a pump failure.
The system was originally installed in 1979, and the Board is developing a strategic capital improvement plan to address aging components. Planned and potential improvements include:
- Replacement or rehabilitation of the reservoir
- Installation of a backup generator to maintain service during power outages
- Upgrading and reconfiguring electrical and plumbing systems in the pump house
- Replacement or rehabilitation of aging distribution mains
These projects will be prioritized based on condition assessments, regulatory requirements, and available funding.
Backflow Preventer
Backflow can occur if booster pumps fail, the main is shut off for repairs, or other events create suction in the distribution mains. That suction can draw water from yards, ponds, stock tanks, or sprinklers back into the system, creating a risk of contamination. Examples include a sprinkler head sitting in standing water, a hose with a submerged end used to fill a pond or pool, or any other situation where non-potable water can contact a service line.
All residents with underground sprinkler systems MUST have an appropriate backflow prevention device installed on the system feed line. If you are unsure whether your sprinkler or other outdoor water use has adequate protection, contact the Meadow Hills water system operator for guidance. In general, avoid leaving hoses or sprinklers submerged in standing water and take steps to prevent any non-potable water from being connected to or entering your service line.