Lolo Water and Wastewater System Improvements

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.

If improvements are made without adding capacity to the system or allowing for additional connections, the estimated project cost is $7.5 million, which would be funded solely by the existing 1,350 users, resulting in an average monthly cost of $70.50 per connection. The $70.50 is a combination of operating costs and capital improvement costs. By designing the improvements to accommodate growth, the estimated cost increases to $9.1 million, but at least 200 new connections are expected within two years, generating an estimated $2 million in connection fees.

With a larger pool of users, the projected average monthly cost drops to $57 per connection. Only 69 new connections are needed to break even lowering the average monthly costs to $70/month — any additional connections beyond that further reduce costs for existing users. If all 400 connections are allocated to development, the estimated average operating and capital costs for the average user is estimated to be $31/month.

These early estimates are engineering estimates, and final pricing will be based on contractor bids. Federal funding requests have been submitted to Congress, which could help offset these estimated costs. Additionally, state funds and loan forgiveness may also be available.

The improvements to the water and wastewater system require input from RSID 8901 members before any decisions are made. Providing feedback during the public engagement process ensures all perspectives are considered.

Current System Challenges

Proposed Improvements

The planned improvements include:

By making these improvements, the system will support an additional 800 new wastewater connections and 400 new water connections, ensuring Lolo’s infrastructure is prepared for the future.

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.

Project Timeline

Public hearings for the creation of a new RSID are expected to be completed by the end of July 2025. Engineering and construction could begin soon after, with an estimated project completion timeline of two years. Public meeting dates will be posted on this page when confirmed.

Key Documents

Preliminary Engineering Reports (PERs) are available for review.

• Lolo RSID 901 Water System Preliminary Engineering Report
• Lolo RSID 901 Wastewater System Preliminary Engineering Report
  

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.