Replacing a failing septic system can be a costly proposition, but Missoula County has a program that could take that financial burden off the shoulders of qualifying homeowners. The county’s Septic System Replacement Program provides free septic system replacement for eligible low- and moderate-income homeowners living outside Missoula city limits. Funded through federal Community Development Block Grant dollars, the program covers replacement costs, provides technical assistance throughout the process, and can even address plumbing problems contributing to septic system failure. Applications are currently being accepted, but funding is limited.
To qualify, homeowners must own and occupy a single-family home in Missoula County, outside Missoula city limits, and have a septic system that meets the county’s definition of failure. Household income must be at or below 80% of the area’s median income, with limits ranging from $60,700 for a single-person household to $86,650 for a family of four, based on the June 2026 income guidelines. The home must be on a permanent foundation, generally outside a floodplain, and covered by homeowners insurance. There’s one important catch: participants must agree to keep the property as their primary residence for at least five years. Selling or moving out during that period triggers repayment of the grant.
The application process starts with income verification and an assessment of the septic system by Missoula Public Health. Homeowners then work with county staff to determine necessary repairs, obtain contractor bids, and secure final approval through the Montana Department of Commerce. The program also requires radon testing, with mitigation included at no cost if elevated levels are found. For homeowners facing an expensive septic system failure, this could be a substantial financial lifeline. With limited funding available, it’s worth looking into sooner rather than later. For complete eligibility requirements, application instructions, and program details, visit the Missoula County Septic System Replacement Program.