Water System Press Release 3/14/25
3/14/2025
PRESS RELEASE: MARCH 14, 2025
Idaho City Addresses Water System Challenges with Proactive Measures
IDAHO CITY, ID –Idaho City is actively addressing recent water system challenges after a significant drop in water storage tank levels was detected last week. While residents have continued to have water service, city officials and water system specialists have been working around the clock to identify and mitigate any leaks that may be impacting the system.
Last week, city staff noticed an unusual decline in water levels despite normal production at the water treatment plant. Due to Idaho City's shallow groundwater table, detecting underground leaks has been challenging. The city's public works team, along with assistance from the Idaho Rural Water Association and a specialized leak detection company, has been conducting an extensive investigation to pinpoint the source of the issue.
To date, the city has identified and addressed several leaks, including one on an abandoned line and others on customer-owned portions of the system. Temporary measures have been implemented, including isolating sections of the distribution system at night to allow storage tanks to recover while minimizing service disruptions to residents and businesses.
“Our team has been working tirelessly to locate and resolve these issues with a system that was built in the 1970’s,” said Mayor Kenny Everhart. “We want to assure our residents that the City is taking every possible step to fix the problem while keeping the community informed. We appreciate the patience and support of our residents as we work through these challenges.”
Idaho City has been proactively working to upgrade its water infrastructure. In 2024, the City secured a $3.5 million grant from the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to fund critical improvements to the water system. This funding will be used to replace aging infrastructure, improve water treatment capabilities, and address longstanding system vulnerabilities.
While current efforts are focused on resolving the immediate water loss issue, the City remains committed to long-term improvements that will provide a more resilient and sustainable water system. Engineering assessments and planned projects will help ensure that the system meets the needs of Idaho City's residents for years to come.
As part of these efforts, the City is issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to hire a new city engineer. The current engineering firm, which was recently acquired by a larger company, will no longer able to provide the level of service Idaho City requires. The new engineering firm will be responsible for overseeing water system upgrades, ensuring efficient use of funding, and providing long-term infrastructure planning.
“We are making real progress in modernizing our infrastructure,” said City Clerk-Treasurer Nancy L. Ptak. “Thanks to the grant funding, we will be able to complete major improvements without placing additional financial burdens on our residents.”
Residents are encouraged to report any noticeable leaks or water pressure changes to the City office. Updates on the investigation and repair efforts will be posted on the City's website and social media channels.
For more information, please contact the City of Idaho City at 208-392-4584 or visit https://idahocity.municipalimpact.com/.
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