Woods Bay project aims to maintain pristine water

Flathead Lake has long been known for its pristine clear water and over 186 miles of shoreline.

This legacy is being challenged by increasing nitrate and phosphorus levels from several sources, one of which is individual likely caused in part by septic systems. As the independently owned and operated wastewater infrastructure septic systems in the Greater Woods Bay Sewer District geographic area continues to age, the quality of treatment generally declines. The district is routinely performing water sampling studies to track the general trend of nitrate and other pollutants development in the lake in Woods Bay, as well as coordinating with local water system managers for levels of nitrates in well water.  Section 303(d) of the Federal Clean Water Act requires states to identify those water bodies within its boundaries that do not meet water quality standards. Decrease in water quality in Flathead Lake has compelled Federal and State agencies to classify Flathead lake as “Impaired” due to human caused increases in nutrient and sediments.”

The  concern caused by increasing nitrate levels has triggered the Greater Woods Bay Sewer District to reactivate a five-year-old plan,  to continue with the development of a comprehensive, two pronged, area-wide wastewater collection and treatment system. This system would lower the nitrate and other pollutant levels and mitigate health and environmental issues within the district. The district is being proactive.  Its goal is the preservation of water quality, actively fighting to preserve the integrity of the water in Flathead Lake and protect the health and safety of the residents in the greater Woods Bay area.  

Upon completion, the proposed wastewater collection system would prevent over five tons of nitrogen and half of a ton of phosphorus from entering the local ground water each year. By removing a large source of nitrogen (and phosphorus), local water wells should experience a reduction in the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus in their drinking water.  Near-shore water quality in Flathead Lake would improve, resulting in less algae blooms and clearer water.

Your support in preserving maintaining, improving and protecting the legacy, beauty and  purity clarity of Flathead Lake, and the health of those in the Greater Woods Bay area is not a trivial endeavor.  Local support is essential to move this project forward.

Learn more about this project at www.greaterwoodsbaywastewater.com. Follow us on Facebook at Greater Woods Bay Sewer District - Wastewater System.

Contact Pat Smith, 212.3333 or Paul Rana, 837.1102.

— Paul Rana is a resident of Woods Bay.