Water
Howard Jones, Water Manager
If you are experiencing a water outage, call (307) 686-5276.
City of Gillette Water Division Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes
As temperatures drop, deep frost and freeze-thaw cycles can expand and contract materials; causing stresses on pipes and creating cracks. To avoid the expense and inconvenience of frozen, broken water pipes, the City of Gillette Water Division recommends the following tips:
- Keep kitchen/bathroom cabinet doors open to allow warm air circulation.
- Find the farthest place where your water enters the house and open the faucet a crack. A very slow drip will keep water moving and reduce the chance that pipes will freeze. Place a bucket underneath to use the water again.
- Insulate pipes that may be vulnerable to the cold or have caused problems before.
- Consider installing "heat tape" or similar materials on exposed water pipes.
- If you have an attached garage, keep its door shut. Occasionally plumbing is routed through the unheated garages leaving it more vulnerable to winter's worst conditions.
- Know the location of your water shut-off valve and test it regularly. Be prepared.
- Disconnect, drain and store all garden hoses.
- Dewater your sprinkler system to avoid cracks and leaks. Turn off the water to the sprinkler system and use compressed air to blow out the remaining water.
- Drain outdoor faucets and exposed pipes.
If pipes start to leak, turn the water off at the main valve to the home or business. This will help prevent leaking water from damaging the building. The pipe will need to be repaired before turning the water back on. If you need assistance locating the main water valve or shutting water off to a building, please call the Water Division at 686-5276. Keep warm and protect those pipes.
Why does the Water Division flush hydrants?
- Hydrant flushing is used to improve water quality and flow rates.
- Hydrant flushing is preventative maintenance for the water distribution system. Releasing water at high velocities from hydrants scours and scrubs water mains. This dislodges films, removes sediments and deposits, and helps control corrosion.
- While flushing the hydrants, crews will also test flow rates and work the valves on hydrants. This tests the hydrants to make sure they are ready, if needed, to protect our community from fire.
- Results from these tests will be used to mark hydrants so fire fighters can quickly assess flow capabilities.
- The results are also used by the Insurance Service Office to rate Gillette’s fire suppression abilities. Better ratings result in lower commercial and residential insurance premiums.
- You can find out more about hydrant flushing on the City of Gillette's You Tube Channel.
Water Meter Upgrades
Approximately 360 City of Gillette water customers will, or have already, received notice in the mail their water meter and/or radio read is due for an upgrade. The reason for the upgrade is the useful life of the meter is approaching. The City is proactively replacing meters and/or radio reads before the devices fail eliminating the need to estimate water usage for the customer.
If you received a letter, please contact the City of Gillette Utilities Department at 686-5276 to schedule your 30 minute appointment to upgrade your water meter (no cost to the customer).
A City of Gillette employee will be performing your meter upgrade. The installer will present identification to you and The City of Gillette logo will also be displayed on the vehicle.
What should I do if water is discolored?
- Run cold water from a faucet or hose for up to 20 minutes to clear the discolored water from service lines. The service line is the pipeline that connects the building to the water main. If the water doesn't clear, call the City of Gillette Water Division at 686-5276. Once the water flows clear, normal water use may resume.
- Avoid doing laundry or using hot water while the water is discolored. This will prevent sediment from being drawn onto clothes or into the water heater.
The Water Division produces and distributes potable water to the citizens and businesses of Gillette. The water is produced from 26 wells and is treated to remove dissolved gases and is disinfected prior to distribution for use. The wells are located in three aquifers: the Fort Union, Lance-Fox Hills, and the Madison. The Water Division operates and maintains seven pump stations, ten storage reservoirs, about 342 miles of water pipe, and several thousand fire hydrants and main line valves.
Annual Water Quality Report
The water provided to the citizens of Gillette meets all the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). This information is included in the annual 2023 Water Quality Report(PDF, 547KB).
A paper copy may be requested and sent to you by calling the City of Gillette Water Division (307-686-5276).
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