According to the Kalispell City Council, the city is moving forward with a critical infrastructure initiative to replace lead and galvanized water service lines. This project is designed to enhance public health protections, ensure consistent water quality. The scope of work includes excavation and surface restoration on both public and private properties, with temporary construction easements secured where necessary. Given the complexity and sensitivity of this project, the city emphasizes the importance of hiring highly qualified professionals with proven expertise in safely and efficiently managing water infrastructure projects. 

  

Key Challenges 
 

Across the United States, many states are grappling with aging water infrastructure that is increasingly vulnerable to failure. Montana State provides a clear example of this challenge, with decades-old pipelines and water systems placing communities at risk of service disruptions, public health concerns, and economic impacts.
 
Missoula: Many water mains date back to the early 20th century, some from World War I. While they’ve served for over a century, the risk of failure is increasing.
 

Broadwater County: Cast-iron pipes over 60 years old have had 32 documented breaks, highlighting the need for replacement and modernization.
 

Milk River Project: Siphon pipes built between 1912 and 1926 failed in 2024, disrupting water for 18,000 residents and threatening northern Montana agriculture, showing the system’s vulnerability.
 

Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation: About 700 homes rely on aging pipelines that frequently fail, leaving residents without clean water multiple times a year.
 

Why Upgrading Water Infrastructure Matters 
 

·         Enhancing Reliability: Old water infrastructure is more likely to fail, causing costly and disruptive service interruptions. Modern pipelines are durable, require less maintenance, and provide a dependable water supply for homes, businesses, and critical services. 

·         Reducing Long-Term Costs: Emergency repairs and frequent maintenance on aging systems are expensive. Proactively replacing outdated pipes prevents costly breakdowns, saving communities money over time. 

·         Supporting Economic Stability: Reliable water service is essential for businesses, agriculture, and community growth. Upgrading infrastructure ensures that communities can thrive without the setbacks of water disruptions. 

·         Future-Proofing Communities: Modernizing pipelines protects investments, improves resilience against environmental stressors, and positions communities to meet future population and water demands efficiently.

 

Utilities One Water Solutions for Aging Infrastructure Challenges 
 

At Utilities One Water, we understand the critical importance of addressing the nation’s aging water infrastructure. Our specialized teams provide comprehensive lead and galvanized steel service line replacement solutions, ensuring communities have access to safe, resilient, and future-ready water systems. 
 
We are interested in establishing a strategic partnership with the City of Kalispell, Montana, to support the enhancement and long-term resilience of its water infrastructure. Modernizing water systems is essential to ensuring public health, safety, and quality of life for residents. 

Our interest in this collaboration stems from a shared commitment to strengthening critical infrastructure and building more resilient communities. We aim to work alongside municipalities, developers, and utilities across the country to upgrade aging pipelines and implement forward-looking solutions. 

 
Wrapping Up
 

Investing in water infrastructure today prevents crises tomorrow. With strategic upgrades and professional support from Utilities One Water, communities like Kalispell across the country can achieve sustainable, high-quality water service that meets both current and future needs.