The Montana Public Service Commission preliminarily fined a Helena Valley subdivision nearly $87,000 Tuesday after development owners failed to provide adequate water service to residents.

Additionally, commission staff concluded that North Star Development also failed to fully cooperate with the commission during its investigation into homeowner complaints about the disruptions in their utility services.

The preliminary fines are the most recent action the commission has taken to address customers’ complaints, which were initially filed last summer. The complaints alleged that, due to an insufficient water supply, North Star implemented emergency restrictions for lawn watering and a water boiling advisory.

Commission staff recommended a $300 per day penalty for the 26 days — $7,800 tot

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