Welcome
to the
information website for the
Big
Hole River Diversion Dam
project!
The City and County of Butte-Silver Bow (BSB) has initiated a
process to replace the existing Big Hole River diversion dam and
intake structure in order to provide a reliable source of
potable water for the Butte service area. The facility is
owned and managed by BSB and is used to divert water from the
Big Hole River to an adjacent pump station located on the
river’s north bank. The pump station lifts the water to a
treatment plant located outside the project area approximately
10 miles to the northeast. Treated water is then piped
another 11 miles northeast to storage and distribution systems
in Butte, MT, which provide the city’s main source of potable
water.
Project Location Map
There is a strong need for
this project. The existing diversion
dam and associated intake structure is approximately 80 years
old and has outlived its useful life. Due to its age, the
facility is in poor condition and poses an imminent threat of
failure or malfunction, which would deprive the citizens of
Butte of potable water. Additionally, there are safety issues
associated with maintenance and recreation at the site.
Lastly, the current structure hinders boat and fish passage.