Lolo Water and Wastewater System Improvements

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View the RSID Map and Boundary here.

Project Overview

The water and wastewater system in Lolo has reached full capacity and no new connections are allowed. Additionally, the existing infrastructure has deficiencies that need to be addressed to ensure long-term reliability. The proposed improvements aim to resolve these deficiencies while also creating additional capacity for future growth.

Missoula County is working with a local engineering firm to provide estimates to determine the costs for project funding so that state loan programs can be applied if the new RSID is created. The county is also exploring different funding structures to offset costs for the projects. This includes federal funding grants, other available grant resources, and local impact fees.

To assure equitable financial costs the district is being reviewed for properties that have current utility benefits that will be responsible for their share of the upgrades to the system. Capacity upgrades or users wanting service outside of the district will be funded by newly established impact fees that the county is actively working on. The impact fee report will be presented at the Impact Fee Advisory Committee Meeting that will be happening on Dec. 3, 2025.


Current System Challenges

  • Water System Deficiencies: If well No. 3, the largest well, were to fail during peak demand, the system would struggle to provide sufficient domestic water and fire-flow demands.
  • Wastewater System Deficiencies: The treatment plant lacks redundancy — if a critical component like the bioreactor or secondary clarifier fails, managing sewage would become a serious challenge.


Proposed Improvements

Planned improvements include:

  • Upsizing wells No. 1 and No. 2
  • Upsizing a key water main
  • Adding a redundant bioreactor and secondary clarifier

The cost of these improvements can be be found in this summary.


Public Feedback

The County is seeking public feedback to help determine whether to proceed with the creation of the RSID. Members of RSID 8901 have the final say on the proposed improvements through a protest process. Comments can be left below.


Key Documents

Preliminary Engineering Reports (PERs) are available for review.

View the RSID Map and Boundary here.

Project Overview

The water and wastewater system in Lolo has reached full capacity and no new connections are allowed. Additionally, the existing infrastructure has deficiencies that need to be addressed to ensure long-term reliability. The proposed improvements aim to resolve these deficiencies while also creating additional capacity for future growth.

Missoula County is working with a local engineering firm to provide estimates to determine the costs for project funding so that state loan programs can be applied if the new RSID is created. The county is also exploring different funding structures to offset costs for the projects. This includes federal funding grants, other available grant resources, and local impact fees.

To assure equitable financial costs the district is being reviewed for properties that have current utility benefits that will be responsible for their share of the upgrades to the system. Capacity upgrades or users wanting service outside of the district will be funded by newly established impact fees that the county is actively working on. The impact fee report will be presented at the Impact Fee Advisory Committee Meeting that will be happening on Dec. 3, 2025.


Current System Challenges

  • Water System Deficiencies: If well No. 3, the largest well, were to fail during peak demand, the system would struggle to provide sufficient domestic water and fire-flow demands.
  • Wastewater System Deficiencies: The treatment plant lacks redundancy — if a critical component like the bioreactor or secondary clarifier fails, managing sewage would become a serious challenge.


Proposed Improvements

Planned improvements include:

  • Upsizing wells No. 1 and No. 2
  • Upsizing a key water main
  • Adding a redundant bioreactor and secondary clarifier

The cost of these improvements can be be found in this summary.


Public Feedback

The County is seeking public feedback to help determine whether to proceed with the creation of the RSID. Members of RSID 8901 have the final say on the proposed improvements through a protest process. Comments can be left below.


Key Documents

Preliminary Engineering Reports (PERs) are available for review.

  • Tuesday, June 10 Update

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    Public Works staff will provide an update on proposed repairs and expansion of the Lolo Sewer and Water system at the Tuesday, June 10, Lolo Community Council meeting. Staff will discuss the possibility of using impact fees (one-time fees developers and landowners pay on new construction) to fund expansion of the system, as well as tentative timelines for repairs and upgrades.

    Meeting details:
    7 p.m.
    Lolo Community Center (12345 Hwy. 93 S.)


  • Next Steps: Step-by-Step Timeline

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    Improving Lolo's Water & Wastewater Systems

    What's happening, how it works and what's next.

    What's the Goal?

    Modern upgrades to water in 2026 and wastewater in 2027 with support from grants and public participation. This process uses a tool called an RSID — a way for neighbors to share costs for shared improvements.

    A Rural Special Improvement District (RSID) helps fund local infrastructure. Property owners within the district contribute, and everyone gets a say before it's finalized.

    The County will pursue grants and loan forgiveness to reduce resident costs.

    Step-by-Step Timeline

    1. Draft RSID: County drafts plan and assessment method.
    2. Meeting #1: Commissioners review and open protest period.
    3. Protest Period: Property owners can protest in writing.
    4. Meeting #2: Hearing is closed; protests reviewed.
    5. Final RSID Vote: Commissioners can approve the RSID.
    6. Assessment Plan: Tax method for cost-sharing is defined.
    7. Objection Notices: Mailed and published notices go out.
    8. Meeting #3: Final public hearing on assessments.
    9. Certification: RSID is finalized and funding can begin.

    But aren't we already in an RSID?

    Yes, but a new one, with the exact same boundaries of the current one, will need to be created to fund these capital improvements. As new connections are added, the boundary will expand to include these new connections.

    Residents should watch their mail for notices and protest info.

    Construction Timeline

    2026: Water system upgrades begin.

    2027: Wastewater upgrades begin.

    View the Next Steps .pdf here.

  • Open Houses

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    Open Houses

    There will be two open houses on Tuesday, April 22 and Tuesday, April 29 at 4-7 p.m. at the Lolo School, in the atrium next to the gym entrance.

    Representatives from Missoula County, the Lolo Water and Wastewater RSID and HDR will be there to share information and listen to feedback from members of the community. Residents are encouraged to drop by any time during those hours to talk to officials about the project. There will be no formal presentation.

Page last updated: 04 Nov 2025, 02:10 PM