The city of Polson is looking at two major projects that will have a positive impact on updating water quality in the area.
Engineers for the city say that possible storm water projects could protect one of Polson's most precious natural resources, it's water quality on Flathead Lake and the Flathead River.
"Right now because a lot of sources into the lake and river are receiving minimal treatment at best, there's a lot of sediment loading, there's a lot of if you will some of the greases and oils that come off on the streets that have the potential of going straight to the lake and the river, and those are part of the goal of being able to prevent," explains Contracted City Engineer, Shari Johnson.
Last spring the city commission passed a $4.00 fee to start collecting money for the storm water system. The city manager says they are in the early stages of looking at their storm water system.
"We're on a steep hill with lots of clay, and so obviously when you have a lot of precipitation water moves along pretty quickly, then also to protect our waterways as well, with the nutrient loading and the pollutants that run off if they're not captured in our storm water and to protect our sewer system itself so its not overloaded as that storm water's directed into our system," explains Polson City Manager, Todd Crossett.
In a different project, but still talking about water, the city of Polson is researching types of sewer plants. The water sewer superintendent says the current system will be at the end of its lifetime in 2017.
"So that's why we're looking into it, so if we go into this new form of technology it will take Polson maybe 20 30 years comfortably into the future, and these type of plants can be added to, in the future you can just add pieces on so it will benefit the city of Polson," said Polson Water and Sewer Superintendent, Tony Porrazzo.
"The better job we can do of stewarding that, in creating infrastructure and systems that work for both residents and visitors and businesses, the better off our economy is going to be and our quality of life," adds Crossett.
There will be a public meeting at city hall on December 16th at 6:30 at night to share information and discuss possible options for stormwater management.
At the next Polson city council meeting they will vote on locations where to put a new sewer facility.
