Lolo Water and Wastewater System Improvements

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NOTICE:

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.)

View the RSID Map and Boundary here.

View the project handout 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.

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

  • Water System Deficiencies: If Well No. 3, the largest well, were to fail during peak demand, the system would struggle to provide enough water.

  • 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

The planned improvements include:

  • Upsizing Wells No. 1 and No. 2

  • Upsizing a key water main

  • Adding a redundant bioreactor and secondary clarifier

  • Installing a new force main

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.


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.

NOTICE:

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.)

View the RSID Map and Boundary here.

View the project handout 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.

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

  • Water System Deficiencies: If Well No. 3, the largest well, were to fail during peak demand, the system would struggle to provide enough water.

  • 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

The planned improvements include:

  • Upsizing Wells No. 1 and No. 2

  • Upsizing a key water main

  • Adding a redundant bioreactor and secondary clarifier

  • Installing a new force main

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.


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.

  • 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: 09 Jun 2025, 03:15 PM