Responsibilities

• Collecting and treating wastewater generated in the Missoula area
• Providing operation and maintenance of the collection and treatment systems for domestic, industrial, and commercial wastewater

Activity and Objective Areas
The Wastewater Division is separated into three distinct activity and objective areas:

• Collection - Maintaining and unplugging 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

Collection and Treatment
Stormwater is managed by the Street Department. Collected wastewater is given secondary treatment and released into the Clark Fork River. Residual sludge is delivered to EKO Compost for incorporation into their 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.

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.