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A week of warm temperatures in Red Lodge wasn't enough to thaw city water pipes frozen shut by the long cold snap in February and early March.

In town, 40 residents are still without access to city water after bitter cold dropped the frost line to 6 and 7 feet below ground level and froze the city pipes that come off the water main and feed individual homes.

"We're waiting for something to happen," said Bill Larson, mayor of Red Lodge. "I'm hoping it's just gonna heat up."

Until it does, the city is still providing water to residents affected by the freeze. Gallon water jugs are available at the city's fire hall along with 5-gallon buckets that can be used to flush toilets.

Pipes started freezing up in early March and the city declared an emergency March 8. Since then, crews have been working to remove snow and ice from the streets and sidewalks in an effort to get the ground to warm up quicker.

Businesses in town have also pitched in to help with distributing water. One of the city's fitness centers has allowed residents without water to visit and shower.