Sewer Connection Information

Existing Connections

Verifying Sewer Connection

  • Ditch card: To research sewer connections and print sewer "ditch card" drawings, visit the City of Missoula Public Utility Map. For permitting history, visit the Permit Atlas. No login or account creation is needed. Search by address or by zooming in to a neighborhood and selecting the icon on the parcel. An “Info” window should pop up on the left side of the map, displaying information about the parcel. At the bottom of the “Info” window will be left and right arrows which allow you to toggle between Parcel Information, Water Connections Records (if available) and Sewer Connection Records (if available). 
  • Sewer line television (TV) inspection: If the connection cannot be verified with a ditch card, we strongly recommend that the property owner conduct a television inspection of their sewer line using a 3rd party contractor. A number of local contractors offer this service and they can be found using an internet search such as “Missoula sewer TV inspections”. It is recommended that the homeowner hire a contractor who can also perform root cutting or other maintenance at the same time as the TV inspection. In cases where the City is requiring verification of a sewer connection in order to comply with its “Connect On Sale” ordinance, as stated in Missoula Municipal Code 13.04.020, the property owner and TV inspection contractor will both need to sign the TV inspection form to certify that the line is connected. The licensed contractor needs to apply for a no fee sewer permit via the citizen portal, and upload the video and inspection form. There are a number of benefits of conducting a TV inspection:
    • The inspection will confirm whether or not the home is connected to the City’s sewer system;
    • The inspection will provide information to the owner and any potential buyers about the type and condition of their sewer line;
    • The sewer line will be located during the inspection; which, homeowners often don’t know where their sewer lines are physically located; and
    • The inspection will show whether any maintenance like root cutting is required.  If the contractor is capable of performing root cutting, that work can happen at the same time as the TV inspection is conducted.
  • Dye test: The City can perform a dye test to verify whether a property is connected to municipal sanitary sewer system, if a ditch card record is unavailable. A dye test does not offer any of the additional benefits provided by a TV inspection of the sewer service line. If roots are present, a dye test may not indicate that the line is connected to the sanitary sewer system, therefore, the property owner will have to pay for a TV inspection and root cutting service. A dye test can be scheduled by calling 406-552-6600 and the test will be scheduled a minimum of two weeks from the date that the call is received. 

New Connections

Connect on Sale Ordinance

The City requires all properties within city limits that have sewer available be connected upon sale or transfer of the property. For more information, please visit our Connect on Sale page.

Connecting Within City Limits

Connecting to the sewer system is fairly simple for properties within city limits. Loan programs are available to assist with the cost of connecting to the municipal sanitary sewer system. 

  1. Contact Development Services to find out if the property has sewer available.
  2. Pay any sewer connection fees. Fees are calculated by city engineering and vary depending on the building's water meter size, location, SIDs, and any previous contributions to the cost of the main. Call 406-552-6630 or fill out the Sewer Connection Fee Form to request a fee calculation.
  3. Hire a contractor (PDF) who is licensed and bonded for excavations.
  4. The contractor will need to purchase a permit from city engineering. Permit fees are set by city ordinance and are listed in the current Fee Schedule.
  5. The contractor will contact city engineering to arrange for inspections, and a record drawing of the connection will be made.

Connecting Outside City Limits

Outside of city limits, more steps will be required before you can connect to sewer. For more information, please visit our County Property Connection to City Sewer and Water Utility page.