Groundwater resources in West Billings studied as future development pushes in

Elizabeth Meredith, a hydrogeologist on the study, has stated that the aquifer, which supplies groundwater to the 1,794 wells in the area, is not rapidly depleting. This is a positive finding for the sustainable management of water resources in the region.

The project was initiated by Billings Public Works, which applied for a grant from the state’s Ground Water Steering Committee in 2021. The project received funding, surpassing eight other competing projects. This demonstrates the importance placed on addressing groundwater issues in Billings.

The Comprehensive Water Review working group, established by the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), is also studying groundwater use in the state. The Billings aquifer is one of five aquifers being investigated by the group. This research is crucial for achieving SDG 6, as it aims to ensure the sustainable use of water resources.

Water scarcity is a longstanding issue in the West, and it is now intersecting with the growing demand for housing and development. As agricultural lands are converted into subdivisions, aquifers lose recharge from irrigation and experience increased discharge from consumptive use. This poses a challenge for achieving SDG 11, which emphasizes the need for sustainable urban development.

The study conducted by the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology aims to determine when the balancing act between water supply and demand will no longer hold. By understanding the dynamics of the Billings aquifer, policymakers can develop strategies to ensure the sustainable use of water resources in the face of development pressures.

The capacity of the Billings aquifer was last studied in 2002, which revealed that two-thirds of the recharge came from irrigation ditch loss and one-third came from precipitation. The research team has completed the main field work, which involved measuring water levels in wells. They are now in the process of building a computer model to simulate future scenarios based on different land use changes and development patterns. The findings of this model will be included in a comprehensive report expected to be completed by early 2025.

Expanding city services is one potential solution to address the increasing demand for water. However, this presents affordability challenges, as the cost of connecting to a public water system is passed on to homeowners. Additionally, municipalities need to invest in capacity-expanding improvements to meet the growing demand. For instance, the new Billings West End Water Treatment Plant, which costs $68 million, is the most expensive public works project in the city’s history. These challenges highlight the importance of SDG 6 in ensuring access to clean water and sanitation for all.

Extending city services into the county could take 10 or more years to complete, according to Boris Krizek, an environmental engineer with Billings Public Works. The DNRC’s Comprehensive Water Review working group is exploring ways to fund and incentivize the expansion of municipal water systems, aligning with SDG 11’s objective of creating sustainable cities and communities.

Scientists are also considering “managed aquifer recharge” as a potential solution. This involves leaving fields open and replenishing groundwater using surface water. While this approach has not been implemented in the state, it was identified as a strategy in last year’s Drought Management Plan. Implementing managed aquifer recharge requires a comprehensive understanding of ground and surface water interactions, as well as consideration of water rights implications.

The ongoing discussions and research surrounding sustainable water management demonstrate the importance of SDGs 6 and 11 in addressing the challenges posed by increased demand and limited water supply. By developing new policies and implementing holistic solutions, stakeholders can protect water resources, ensure equitable access to water, and support sustainable development in Billings and beyond.

It is clear that the cumulative effects of de minimis wells, which are exempt from the permitting process or use less than 10 acre-feet of water per year, cannot be ignored. The DNRC’s Comprehensive Water Review working group aims to protect water resources and existing water rights while addressing the needs of both current and future water users.