06/17/2026 | Billings Gazette, Written by Sheryl Zhang (July 7, 2026)

West End water treatment plant moves toward completion

Dick Anderson Construction’s building of Billings’ new water treatment facility, located on the West End, began in March 2024, with the plant aimed at boosting the city’s water supply, supporting future growth, and improving system reliability. The new facility will add 18 million gallons per day in treatment capacity to supplement the existing Gerald D. Underwood Plant, which has served the city for over a century. This expansion is in response to increased water demand due to population growth and higher summer temperatures.

The plant is part of a broader upgrade that includes new reservoirs, expected to come online by 2027-2028, providing weeks of emergency water storage. Until the reservoirs are complete, the plant may face operational limits in winter. The facility features advanced treatment technology, including membrane filtration and chlorination, to ensure high water quality and regulatory compliance.

The project is funded by water fees and has remained under its $68 million budget so far. Recreational plans for the reservoir areas are still being developed. While residents may not notice immediate changes in water taste or pressure, the new system will enhance reliability and help Billings meet the needs of a growing population, according to city officials.

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