Resources / Utilities

Utility Providers in Gallatin County

A comprehensive guide to electricity, natural gas, propane, water, sewer, and garbage service across the Gallatin Valley — organized by city so you know exactly who to call when you move in.

Bozeman

Bozeman has full municipal utility service. NorthWestern Energy handles electricity and natural gas, the City runs water and sewer, and Republic Services is the primary garbage hauler. Propane is mainly used in rural areas outside city limits.

Serves all of Gallatin County. ~12.77¢/kWh. 24/7 outage reporting.

Available in city limits and many surrounding areas. Call 811 before you dig.

Billing: (406) 582-2303. Four Corners W&S District: (406) 585-4166 for that area.

Combined billing with water. Septic for properties outside city sewer service area.

City of Bozeman also provides garbage collection. Republic: 65-gal tote ~$27/mo. 14 free recycling drop-off sites countywide.

Varies

Mainly for rural properties outside natural gas service. Multiple local suppliers available.

Belgrade

Belgrade has its own municipal water and sewer system. Electricity and natural gas come from NorthWestern Energy. Both Republic Services and the locally-owned L&L Site Services offer garbage pickup.

Same rates and service as Bozeman.

Available in city limits.

91 E Central Ave. River Rock W&S District serves some subdivisions outside city.

Combined billing with water. Septic for rural properties outside district.

L&L is locally owned, veteran-operated since 2007. Free recycling drop-offs available.

Varies

For properties outside natural gas service area.

Big Sky

Big Sky has its own water and sewer district (District No. 363). NorthWestern Energy provides electricity and natural gas. Propane is common for homes outside the gas service area, especially in the resort and canyon areas.

24/7 emergency service. Weekday hours 7 AM – 6 PM.

Not available in all areas — many Big Sky homes use propane.

561 Little Coyote Rd. Quarterly billing. Created 1993.

Managed under contract by Four Corners W&S District. Septic for properties outside district.

Nearest transfer station is north of West Yellowstone. Main landfill in Logan (~60 mi).

Varies

Very common in Big Sky. Big Sky Propane offers wireless tank monitoring.

Manhattan

Manhattan runs its own water and sewer through the Town offices. NorthWestern Energy provides electricity and gas. Waste Management (WM) handles garbage with Monday pickups.

207 S 6th St. Mon–Fri 8:30 AM – 5 PM.

Combined billing with water. Septic for rural properties.

WM (Waste Management)Garbage & Recycling

Pickup every Monday. Included in refuse charges.

Varies

For properties outside natural gas service area.

Three Forks

Three Forks operates its own water and sewer system through City Hall. NorthWestern Energy handles electricity and gas. Republic Services provides garbage collection.

206 Main St. Billing: (406) 285-3408. After-hours emergencies: (406) 539-6905. Bulk water available.

Combined billing with water. Online payments accepted.

Republic ServicesGarbage & Recycling

Standard trash pickup and recycling. Free drop-off recycling sites available.

Varies

For properties outside natural gas service area.

Gallatin Gateway

Gallatin Gateway has its own water and sewer district (est. 2009). NorthWestern Energy provides electricity and natural gas where available. Propane is common for homes outside the gas service area. Many rural properties rely on wells and septic.

Not available at all addresses — check before purchasing a property.

Contact Amy or Phil. Email: gm@gatewaywsd.com. Many rural properties use private wells.

Managed by Four Corners W&S District. Rural properties typically on septic.

Curbside available in some areas. Free recycling drop-off sites nearby.

Varies

Very common in Gateway. Madison River offers metered pay-as-you-use service.

West Yellowstone

West Yellowstone's water comes from Whiskey Springs — a gravity-fed natural spring that requires no chemical treatment. NorthWestern Energy took over electricity and gas from Energy West in 2025. Note: a sewer hook-up moratorium limits new construction.

Acquired Energy West Q1 2025. Also serves Yellowstone National Park.

Transitioned from Energy West as of July 2025.

Town Hall

Fed by Whiskey Springs (natural spring, gravity-fed). Not chemically treated. Tested multiple times monthly.

Town Hall

System handles 30K–40K gal/day (winter) to 450K–500K gal/day (summer peak). Hook-up moratorium in effect.

Gallatin County

Transfer station 4 miles north on Hwy 191. Also handles Yellowstone National Park waste.

Varies

Fall River has 20+ years serving West Yellowstone. Tank installation and leasing available.

Rural Properties

Properties outside city limits or water/sewer districts — common in Gallatin Gateway, canyon areas near Big Sky, and throughout rural Gallatin County — typically use private wells, septic systems, and propane instead of municipal services.

Water

Private Wells

Individual wells are required for drinking water on rural properties. Well drilling, testing, and permitting are handled through the Montana DNRC. Groundwater quality is generally excellent in the Gallatin Valley.

Sewer

Septic Systems

A permit is required before installation. Contact Gallatin County Environmental Health at (406) 582-3120. Average site evaluation and design cost is ~$2,600.

Propane

Propane Suppliers

Major suppliers include AmeriGas, Big Sky Propane (wireless tank monitoring), Madison River Propane (metered pay-as-you-use), Rocky Mountain Propane, and Fall River Propane.

Moving to Gallatin County?

Setting up utilities is just one step in the process. If you're buying or selling a home in the Bozeman area, I can help you navigate everything from inspections to closing day. Get in touch and let's get started.

Information is approximate and subject to change. Always verify directly with the provider for your specific address. Last updated March 2026.