GREAT FALLS — Water conservation measures in Fairfield are affecting the public schools.
Fairfield School District officials said in a news release on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, that the town's water situation "continues to decline," and with the recent loss of another well, the community’s water supply has become significantly limited.
As a result, the following measures have been implemented in accordance with the school's Emergency Water Use Plan:
- Restroom Facilities: Portable restrooms will be placed strategically around school buildings. A plan will be in place to guide usage based on location. One stall in each indoor restroom will remain available for appropriate use only.
- Food Service: Food services will transition to paper and disposable products to reduce water usage associated with dishwashing.
- Hydration: Water bottle filling stations will remain operational. Students and staff are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle from home, with access to refill at school as needed.
- Sanitation: Additional waterless hand sanitizer and hand wipes will be provided throughout school buildings and classrooms.
School officials will communicate with students, families, staff, and the community as the situation evolves.
We will update you as we get more information.
(APRIL 14, 2026) The town of Fairfield is facing a water shortage, prompting officials to put water usage restrictions in place and prepare to declare a water emergency.
Town officials said well levels are very low, with drought conditions driving the shortage. One resident said her well has dried up, though a couple of businesses said they have not felt any serious impact yet.
Justin Robicheau reports - watch the video here:
"We have eight wells around town. Three of them are out of service right now. Within the next week, we expect to lose two more," said Chuck Dale, the water supervisor for Fairfield.
He explained, "We didn't get the snowfall that we would like to see anything else. And then shorter irrigation seasons last year which affect us now this year."
Crews are doing what they can to stretch the remaining water supply.
"We've adjust the flow rates on the wells. Pull that down. Shorten up our run times between so there's a little more recovery and try to keep on top of any water leaks that we can find," Dale said.
Just outside Fairfield, Teton County resident and farmer Mitch Konen said he has not felt a direct impact yet, but signs of the drought are already visible.
"But eventually it shows up in our wells out here in the country as well. We know Fairfield’s getting short. The wells out in the countryside are going to start getting short as well," Konen said.
"I do see it out here on these hillsides. The water table is starting to get lower, and the springs have started to slow down. So I'm lucky here. I don't have any cattle, so, I'm not really at an in a need for it right now, but anybody that does have cattle is probably having troubles," Konen said.
If the community lacks water, farmers are ready to help.
"We try to do the best that we can to help those folks. If they're in need of water, they can always come out here and we can supply them some water, too. You know, if it's drinking water or cooking water, whatever they need. But, I mean, that's just something we can do as a community," Konen said.
Town officials said a public comment period will take place on Wednesday at 6 p.m. as the town prepares to declare a water emergency.
