Wastewater Utility

Activity and Objective Areas

The Wastewater Division is separated into four distinct activity and objective areas:

• Collection - Maintaining sewer mains; Servicing and providing information regarding STEP systems; Maintaining and servicing lift stations
• Treatment - Processing control and maintenance; Organizing tours for the general public and college / high school classes
• Pretreatment / Laboratory - Overseeing chemical analysis for plant, pretreatment, and permit required testing; permitting and monitoring domestic and industrial wastewater
• Composting - Treating bio-solids and incorporating into compost products

Collection and Treatment

Collected wastewater is given secondary treatment and released into the Clark Fork River. Treated bio-solids are delivered to the composting facility for incorporation into the compost products. These activities are conducted within the guidelines of discharge permits and other local, State, and Federal rules and mandates relating to environmental protection. Learn more at Montana Water.

Stormwater is managed by the Stormwater Division. 

Water Resource Recovery

Treated effluent is used to irrigate hybrid poplar trees.

Facilities

The city wastewater collection and treatment facilities play an integral role in the protection of vital surface water resources and our groundwater aquifer, which is our sole source of drinking water.

Expansion, renovation, and upgrades of existing wastewater facilities is absolutely necessary for continued environmentally sound and planned growth of our community.

Wastewater Treatment Plant