Water Line Break in Billings Causes Water Loss During Fiber Installation

A contractor pierced a water line in a Billings Heights neighborhood during fiber-optic installation near Agate Avenue. Water continued to flow for nearly a day before stopping. Jeff Essmann, president of the board of directors for the County Water District of Billings Heights, confirmed the break resulted in water loss from district facilities. The district has not yet determined the total amount of water lost.

The incident created nonrevenue water, which is water lost through breaks or unmeasured sources. Jeff Essmann stated that the water loss should not directly affect residents' water bills, as the district does not apply special billing for this type of loss.