News Release

GNP Performs Wastewater Inspections on Commercial Private Properties

Date: August 1, 2025
Contact: Autumn Sifuentes, 406-888-7921

WEST GLACIER, Mont. [August 1, 2025] – Glacier National Park, in conjunction with the US Public Health Service and Flathead County Health Department, has completed water and wastewater system inspections on private properties with commercial eating, drinking, and lodging operations within the park. Inspections included wastewater dye tests on 10 properties to verify their safety and sanitation and confirm that wastewater is not degrading the park's natural resources. An NPS Fire Chief concurrently completed a fire and life safety inspection of each property to substantiate compliance with Montana Fire Code.

Non-toxic, biodegradable dye tests are used to see whether wastewater is leaking into nearby water sources. Dye tests showed that wastewater on these properties was not reaching any nearby water sources, including Lake McDonald. “We are glad for the opportunity to work alongside Flathead County and with the cooperation of private landowners in the park to ensure safe conditions for their overnight guests and for the protection of park resources,” said Superintendent Dave Roemer. Inspections were conducted in fall 2024, with wastewater dye testing completed in spring 2025 when wastewater systems were fully operational. 

Glacier National Park has approximately 115 private inholdings within its borders, mostly around Lake McDonald or in the North Fork. Per 36 CFR § 7.3 (b) eating, drinking, and lodging establishments on private lands within the park must comply with State and county health and sanitary laws and ordinances, and rules and regulations to be issued an operating permit by the park superintendent. The park has long issued permits for food and beverage and hotel facilities, and this year began permitting all other lodging establishments, including short-term rentals. 

Park staff will begin working with remaining private landowners within the park to meet requirements in 36 C.F.R. § 7.3 (c), which states that any building or structure intended for human habitation or use must be served by water supply and sewage disposal systems that comply with the standards prescribed by State and county laws and regulations applicable in the county. Additionally, the NPS will work with landowners to permit the construction, rebuilding, or alteration of any water supply or sewage disposal system on privately owned land within the park.