Continuous News

Laurel continues to look for a solution to low water levels

Posted: Sep 18, 2012 12:40 PM by Victoria Fregoso - Q2 News
Updated: Sep 18, 2012 12:46 PM

LAUREL - The City of Laurel continues to look for a solution to low water levels in the Yellowstone River. The river is at its lowest since 1932, leaving the city's water intake exposed. A Montana-based engineering company, Great West Engineering, is processing data they collected along the river last week.

Laurel Public Works Director Kurt Markegard said a large hole was discovered on the river floor next to the intake. The river received major damages after the 2011 flood. In a previous interview, Markegard said the water needs to be at least a foot above the intake. It provides over 12,000 customers in and around Laurel with water.

The city expects to have a plan in place by Wednesday, once the engineering company completes their data. In the meantime, there is a resolution on Tuesday's city council agenda that would allow backfilling along the city's water main, damage that was also caused by flooding last year. Donnes Inc., out of Shepherd Montana is the lowest qualified bidder with a bid of $26,625.00.

The city council meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday inside of the Laurel Council Chambers.