French Drains, Dry Wells & Area Drains in Missoula, MT

A French drain can collect shallow groundwater or surface flow when the trench has a clear outlet and a serviceable filter path. A dry well can receive a limited discharge when the soil, groundwater protection, setback, and approval conditions fit. An area drain can catch water at a low point that needs a cleanable inlet. These systems do different jobs, and one label should not decide the design.

Missoula's stormwater system sends much city runoff to the aquifer through dry wells. That makes sediment, oil, fertilizer, animal waste, and other pollutants a site concern, not a detail for later. We keep inlets accessible, separate dirty runoff from roof water when the site allows, and flag a permit or water-quality question before excavation. We do not promise infiltration on a parcel that cannot show a safe receiving layer or maintenance route.