Big Sky’s unique growth dynamics and commitment to environmental stewardship have brought the true cost of reliable water and wastewater infrastructure into focus. In a new Explore Big Sky opinion piece, the challenges of providing safe, resilient water services—from operating the high-performing, $50 million Water Resource Recovery Facility to exploring centralized solutions for aging septic systems in the Gallatin Canyon—are laid out with clear context on the community’s priorities and values.
While zero-discharge treatment and beneficial reuse of reclaimed water protect surface waters and support long-term sustainability, they come with significantly higher costs compared with traditional systems. The article underscores how thoughtful planning, engineering, and public involvement are essential as Big Sky navigates its water future.
To read Johnny O’Connor’s full article check out Explore Big Sky [Link]