Over the last century, many other ditch companies including the Billings Bench Water Association and the Hiline Ditch company built canals that twist and turn throughout the city. These ditches that turn Billings into sort of a western Venice has brought prosperity and economic progress. Many people live near these ditches for numerous reasons. The water coming from some of the ditches can be bought buy residents, which is cheaper than leaving on city water. The ditches also keep the soil around it nice and wet, so it's an ideal place for a garden.
Residents can also tank the ditch for their green lawns and healthy trees in the surrounding areas.
The ditches, however, are not to be taken lightly. The ditches are canals with steep sides and fast moving water. The currents can carry and object 500 feet within a matter of minutes. Parents are strongly urged not to allow children to play anywhere near the ditch, for obvious reasons. Also, the ditch companies ask the public not to throw any trash into the canal because this debris can clog up the pipes and causes the ditch to overflow.