City to consider a judicial review of $33 Million water project

On January 22, 2001, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promulgated rules that established new drinking water standards.  The rule reduced the primary maximum contaminant level (MCL) for from 50 parts per billion to 10 parts per billion.

In 2008, the City joined with the State of Idaho and the North Snake Ground Water District to acquire Pristine Springs.  The subordinated right acquired will allow sufficient water supply to develop a blending system to assure the City's south well field will be in full compliance with federal arsenic standards by January 2011.

As a result of the new EPA drinking water standards, the City does not have a choice and must comply with the new standards.  The cost of complying with these standards will cost an estimated $33 million.  Because of potential impacts to the public health, the City does not have a choice when it comes to complying with this mandate.