Mountain Water hearing concludes, decision forthcoming - KPAX-TV

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MISSOULA- The lengthy hearing over the proposed sale of Mountain Water in Missoula has come to an end, although attorneys will have several more weeks to submit their written arguments before a final decision.

The Montana Public Service Commission spent the past two days sorting through details of the proposed sale of the largest investor-owned company in Montana, serving more than 50,000 customers.

Mountain Water's parent company, California-based Park Water, wants to sell to the Carlyle group. But during the hearing, individuals and groups like the Clark Fork Coalition and the City of Missoula urged the PSC to only approve the deal if there are safeguards to control the quality of service, rates, and the potential for the system to be purchased by the city in the future.

At times, the hearing grew contentious, as attorneys for Mountain Water sparred with opponents over their analysis of the ownership change.

The hearing wrapped up Tuesday afternoon, with city representatives saying they are okay with the transfer, as long as Missoula has the "right of first refusal" the next time the system comes up for sale.

The PSC will give the parties until mid-October to submit written briefs. The panel hopes to make a decision before the end of the year.

Contact Dennis Bragg