Mayor Pike and General Manager Neil Jenkins
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Water Reuse FAQ
Why is Eagle Sewer District (ESD) moving towards cleaning the used water for irrigation reuse instead of cleaning it and putting it in the river like it is now?
During the long-term planning work that started in 2023, we asked District patrons where they wanted the used water that is collected and cleaned to be used for. After multiple surveys, open houses, and outreach events most patrons favored using the cleaned water for irrigation. This additional water could extend the irrigation season or make the irrigation water supply more drought resistant. Some patrons wanted to clean it and to replenish the groundwater, others to continue putting it in the Boise River, and others said to clean it better to add it to the drinking water supply. Since most patrons favored reuse for irrigation, the ESD elected Board of Directors decided to invest in systems to clean the water and deliver it for that purpose.
Currently our water is partially cleaned at our treatment facility and then pumped to the City of Boise’s West Boise Water Renewal Facility. Through our contract they further treat the water and discharge it to the south channel of the Boise River. Another benefit of investing in additional treatment processes at our treatment facility is more cost control. More investment in Eagle means that we pass through less dollars to Boise to invest in their water treatment facilities and more predictable future costs for Eagle.
The City of Eagle has had a vision of reusing the water from city residents and businesses since 2017 as described in the city’s comprehensive plan. These desires are being fulfilled as ESD invests in cleaning the water to a higher level so that it qualifies for use as irrigation water and is added directly to canals. Find the complete 20-year plan describing the analysis completed here: https://www.eaglesewer.org/facility-and-collection-system-master-plans
During the long-term planning work that started in 2023, we asked District patrons where they wanted the used water that is collected and cleaned to be used for. After multiple surveys, open houses, and outreach events most patrons favored using the cleaned water for irrigation. This additional water could extend the irrigation season or make the irrigation water supply more drought resistant. Some patrons wanted to clean it and to replenish the groundwater, others to continue putting it in the Boise River, and others said to clean it better to add it to the drinking water supply. Since most patrons favored reuse for irrigation, the ESD elected Board of Directors decided to invest in systems to clean the water and deliver it for that purpose.
Currently our water is partially cleaned at our treatment facility and then pumped to the City of Boise’s West Boise Water Renewal Facility. Through our contract they further treat the water and discharge it to the south channel of the Boise River. Another benefit of investing in additional treatment processes at our treatment facility is more cost control. More investment in Eagle means that we pass through less dollars to Boise to invest in their water treatment facilities and more predictable future costs for Eagle.
The City of Eagle has had a vision of reusing the water from city residents and businesses since 2017 as described in the city’s comprehensive plan. These desires are being fulfilled as ESD invests in cleaning the water to a higher level so that it qualifies for use as irrigation water and is added directly to canals. Find the complete 20-year plan describing the analysis completed here: https://www.eaglesewer.org/facility-and-collection-system-master-plans
What is the difference between the water cleaning levels for irrigation and the river? Who decides how clean is clean?
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ) and United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set regulations for levels of cleanliness based on the recycled water use. There are strict requirements for safeguarding public health and ensuring environmental benefits. ESD must go through the IDEQ permitting process for each recycled water use to determine the water quality levels required and continuous water testing to verify that the rules and regulations are being followed. ESD plans to only send the highest quality of reuse water, Class A, for the irrigation reuse.
There are two main differences between the water treatment levels for canal irrigation and river discharge.
- Rivers can only have a limited amount of nutrients in them before they grow too many aquatic plants that impact the river systems. These nutrients (specifically nitrogen and phosphorus – the same things you buy at the store to fertilize your lawn and garden) are mostly from the food we eat and later “contribute” to the sewer system. Some cleaning soaps and detergents also have nitrogen and phosphorus in them. IDEQ recognizes that cleaned water mixed into the river has lower public contact potential so they require a lower level of disinfection (killing viruses and other pathogens) to protect public health.
- Canal water is meant for irrigation so leaving higher levels of nitrogen and phosphorus can be a benefit and offset the amount of fertilizer needed to grow grass, trees, and crops. IDEQ recognizes that canal water doesn’t mix with as much other water so the levels of disinfection are as much as 10 times higher. This is to prevent anyone or their animals from getting sick. To answer the question, “if my dog, horse, or humans come in contact with used water for irrigation, will they get sick,” remember that there is less risk of getting sick from Class A reuse water since it is disinfected and river water is not.
The list of approved recycled water uses by class can be found here: https://adminrules.idaho.gov/rules/current/58/580117.pdf (pages 14-15 has the whole list) The higher classes are cleaner water and more regulated due to the increased chance that the public will be in direct contact with the water.
Here is a summary of some of the approved uses:
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The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ) and United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set regulations for levels of cleanliness based on the recycled water use. There are strict requirements for safeguarding public health and ensuring environmental benefits. ESD must go through the IDEQ permitting process for each recycled water use to determine the water quality levels required and continuous water testing to verify that the rules and regulations are being followed. ESD plans to only send the highest quality of reuse water, Class A, for the irrigation reuse.
There are two main differences between the water treatment levels for canal irrigation and river discharge.
- Rivers can only have a limited amount of nutrients in them before they grow too many aquatic plants that impact the river systems. These nutrients (specifically nitrogen and phosphorus – the same things you buy at the store to fertilize your lawn and garden) are mostly from the food we eat and later “contribute” to the sewer system. Some cleaning soaps and detergents also have nitrogen and phosphorus in them. IDEQ recognizes that cleaned water mixed into the river has lower public contact potential so they require a lower level of disinfection (killing viruses and other pathogens) to protect public health.
- Canal water is meant for irrigation so leaving higher levels of nitrogen and phosphorus can be a benefit and offset the amount of fertilizer needed to grow grass, trees, and crops. IDEQ recognizes that canal water doesn’t mix with as much other water so the levels of disinfection are as much as 10 times higher. This is to prevent anyone or their animals from getting sick. To answer the question, “if my dog, horse, or humans come in contact with used water for irrigation, will they get sick,” remember that there is less risk of getting sick from Class A reuse water since it is disinfected and river water is not.
The list of approved recycled water uses by class can be found here: https://adminrules.idaho.gov/rules/current/58/580117.pdf (pages 14-15 has the whole list) The higher classes are cleaner water and more regulated due to the increased chance that the public will be in direct contact with the water.
Here is a summary of some of the approved uses:
Irrigation water isn’t clean enough to drink, will the reuse water be clean enough to drink?
Most of the irrigation water in the Treasure Valley comes from the Boise River. It is not cleaned before entering the canals or ditches that take it to farms and homes, so it is not meant for drinking. Class A irrigation water is treated to the required standards which are not enough for drinking. River water and Class A reuse water could be cleaned enough to drink, but would first need to go through additional cleaning processes.
Fun fact, Veolia operates two water treatment plants in east Boise to clean river water to drinking water levels. The Cities of Fruitland, ID and Ontario both clean the Snake River water for drinking.
Most of the irrigation water in the Treasure Valley comes from the Boise River. It is not cleaned before entering the canals or ditches that take it to farms and homes, so it is not meant for drinking. Class A irrigation water is treated to the required standards which are not enough for drinking. River water and Class A reuse water could be cleaned enough to drink, but would first need to go through additional cleaning processes.
Fun fact, Veolia operates two water treatment plants in east Boise to clean river water to drinking water levels. The Cities of Fruitland, ID and Ontario both clean the Snake River water for drinking.
What about harmful chemicals that could be in the water like PFAS or 'forever chemicals'?
Per-and-poly-fluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS, are a family of over 12,000 man-made chemicals. They have been used in manufacturing worldwide since the 1940s. They sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals” because their strong carbon-fluoride bonds don’t break down in nature.
Water and wastewater suppliers do not produce PFAS. PFAS is largely introduced into natural waterways through four main sources, including: industrial sites, landfills, wastewater treatment facilities and fire training/firefighting response at airports and military bases.
The Eagle Sewer District has historically not had heavy industry and has had a higher volume of residential, small commercial, and agricultural customers, making Eagle Sewer District’s service area less susceptible to PFAS contamination.
PFAS is not currently regulated in Idaho’s wastewater. We will be treating our water to meet current Class A regulations and will continue tracking any new regulations relating to PFAS and other chemicals.
Per-and-poly-fluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS, are a family of over 12,000 man-made chemicals. They have been used in manufacturing worldwide since the 1940s. They sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals” because their strong carbon-fluoride bonds don’t break down in nature.
Water and wastewater suppliers do not produce PFAS. PFAS is largely introduced into natural waterways through four main sources, including: industrial sites, landfills, wastewater treatment facilities and fire training/firefighting response at airports and military bases.
The Eagle Sewer District has historically not had heavy industry and has had a higher volume of residential, small commercial, and agricultural customers, making Eagle Sewer District’s service area less susceptible to PFAS contamination.
PFAS is not currently regulated in Idaho’s wastewater. We will be treating our water to meet current Class A regulations and will continue tracking any new regulations relating to PFAS and other chemicals.
When did ESD start working on this plan and how was the community involved in this decision?
Eagle Sewer started planning in 2023 with a survey for patrons, going to different committees within Eagle including City Council, Chamber of Commerce, the Building Contractors Association, having an information booth set up at the Eagle Fun Days parade, and an open house at our water cleaning facility. We received great feedback from patrons that gave us direction for the future of Eagle Sewer. Specifically we learned that irrigation water is very important to our patrons. More information on the planning process can be found here: https://www.eaglesewer.org/facility-and-collection-system-master-plans
Eagle Sewer started planning in 2023 with a survey for patrons, going to different committees within Eagle including City Council, Chamber of Commerce, the Building Contractors Association, having an information booth set up at the Eagle Fun Days parade, and an open house at our water cleaning facility. We received great feedback from patrons that gave us direction for the future of Eagle Sewer. Specifically we learned that irrigation water is very important to our patrons. More information on the planning process can be found here: https://www.eaglesewer.org/facility-and-collection-system-master-plans
Who is the irrigation partner and why were they selected?
ESD focuses on collecting all the used water in our service area and cleaning it for its next use. We looked for an irrigation partner who had an established system to distribute Class A irrigation water instead of the expense of creating a completely new water distribution system. One of the main criteria for an irrigation partner was that their system served ESD patrons and doesn’t immediately return to the Boise River, since there are limits to the amount of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) in rivers.
After reviewing many irrigation systems in Eagle, the ESD Board of Directors entered into an agreement with the Farmer’s Union Ditch Company (FUDC). They already have a water distribution system that provides irrigation water for many parts of Eagle. Farmer’s Union is always looking for drought-resistant water to better serve their irrigation customers, so the boards of both organizations entered into an agreement. ESD is in charge or cleaning the water to Class A irrigation water quality and delivering it to FUDC. FUDC then distributes the mixed Class A and diverted river water. Since ESD and Farmer’s Union serve many of the same patrons, the Boards agreed not to charge each other fees in this arrangement. For more information about Farmer’s Union Ditch Company see: https://farmersunionditch.com/
ESD focuses on collecting all the used water in our service area and cleaning it for its next use. We looked for an irrigation partner who had an established system to distribute Class A irrigation water instead of the expense of creating a completely new water distribution system. One of the main criteria for an irrigation partner was that their system served ESD patrons and doesn’t immediately return to the Boise River, since there are limits to the amount of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) in rivers.
After reviewing many irrigation systems in Eagle, the ESD Board of Directors entered into an agreement with the Farmer’s Union Ditch Company (FUDC). They already have a water distribution system that provides irrigation water for many parts of Eagle. Farmer’s Union is always looking for drought-resistant water to better serve their irrigation customers, so the boards of both organizations entered into an agreement. ESD is in charge or cleaning the water to Class A irrigation water quality and delivering it to FUDC. FUDC then distributes the mixed Class A and diverted river water. Since ESD and Farmer’s Union serve many of the same patrons, the Boards agreed not to charge each other fees in this arrangement. For more information about Farmer’s Union Ditch Company see: https://farmersunionditch.com/
When will the new water cleaning processes be added to the current water cleaning facility?
We are currently adding new state-of-the-art water cleaning processes to become a Class A reuse facility. We need to add higher levels of treatment including filtration and disinfection. We plan to have these projects completed and ready to deliver Class A irrigation water by spring of 2029. The water quality will be tested after each cleaning process is completed to verify that the cleaned water meets the strict Class A regulations for irrigation.
We are currently adding new state-of-the-art water cleaning processes to become a Class A reuse facility. We need to add higher levels of treatment including filtration and disinfection. We plan to have these projects completed and ready to deliver Class A irrigation water by spring of 2029. The water quality will be tested after each cleaning process is completed to verify that the cleaned water meets the strict Class A regulations for irrigation.
Who else in the valley is reusing water like this? How about around the country?
All cities, developments, and industries in the Treasure Valley clean their used water and either directly use it for irrigation or put it in the Boise River where it is diverted for irrigation. Here is a partial list of neighbors and a brief description of how they reuse their cleaned water:
All around the country and the world people are reusing their water. In fact, since the same amount of water on earth now is the same as when the dinosaurs were on the earth, we have all been using and reusing the same water for millennia. More information on current national reuse efforts can be found at: https://watereuse.org/
All cities, developments, and industries in the Treasure Valley clean their used water and either directly use it for irrigation or put it in the Boise River where it is diverted for irrigation. Here is a partial list of neighbors and a brief description of how they reuse their cleaned water:
All around the country and the world people are reusing their water. In fact, since the same amount of water on earth now is the same as when the dinosaurs were on the earth, we have all been using and reusing the same water for millennia. More information on current national reuse efforts can be found at: https://watereuse.org/
Why are other treasure valley neighbors also moving towards reuse instead of putting water in the Boise River? What else can reused water be used for?
Many cities and sewer districts are better recognizing the value of the water we clean and are working to reuse it for the best purposes. While the population in the Treasure Valley is increasing, the amount of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) the Boise River can take handle before being impacted remains the same. This results in upgrades or additional cleaning processes being needed at nearly all water treatment plants. This often comes with much higher monthly sewer rates. Reusing the water can help control these costs. Additional future pending regulations, even requiring cooling the water before it enters the Boise River so that it doesn’t raise the river temperature and impacting fish and other animals, could be very expensive.
Reuse water can be used for many things including irrigation for areas like parks, residential landscapes, crops, golf courses, cemeteries, orchards and vineyards. It can also be used in industrial processes and manufacturing uses including data centers.
https://adminrules.idaho.gov/rules/current/58/580117.pdf (pages 14-15 has the whole list) The higher classes are cleaner water and more regulated due to the increased chance that the public will be in direct contact with the water.
Here is a summary of some of the approved uses:
Many cities and sewer districts are better recognizing the value of the water we clean and are working to reuse it for the best purposes. While the population in the Treasure Valley is increasing, the amount of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) the Boise River can take handle before being impacted remains the same. This results in upgrades or additional cleaning processes being needed at nearly all water treatment plants. This often comes with much higher monthly sewer rates. Reusing the water can help control these costs. Additional future pending regulations, even requiring cooling the water before it enters the Boise River so that it doesn’t raise the river temperature and impacting fish and other animals, could be very expensive.
Reuse water can be used for many things including irrigation for areas like parks, residential landscapes, crops, golf courses, cemeteries, orchards and vineyards. It can also be used in industrial processes and manufacturing uses including data centers.
https://adminrules.idaho.gov/rules/current/58/580117.pdf (pages 14-15 has the whole list) The higher classes are cleaner water and more regulated due to the increased chance that the public will be in direct contact with the water.
Here is a summary of some of the approved uses:
Where can I learn more about reuse? When will ESD host more outreach events?
Stay tuned for more open houses and community presentations in summer of 2025 and beyond. If you have specific questions, feel free to email or call us. We are always happy to answer any questions. We also offer tours of our treatment facility. Get a group of folks together and let’s show you where your water goes after it leaves your home or business and how we clean it.
Stay tuned for more open houses and community presentations in summer of 2025 and beyond. If you have specific questions, feel free to email or call us. We are always happy to answer any questions. We also offer tours of our treatment facility. Get a group of folks together and let’s show you where your water goes after it leaves your home or business and how we clean it.
Where can I send questions to be added to this list of answers?
Please email your questions you wanted added to our FAQ through our contact page: https://www.eaglesewer.org/contact
Please email your questions you wanted added to our FAQ through our contact page: https://www.eaglesewer.org/contact