North Kootenai Water District
P.O. Box 2290
Hayden, ID 83835
208-772-3619
208-762-0355 (fax)

Consumer Information:

Important Information Regarding Depressurization Events:

As you know, storm activity in our area may cause power outages.  If any of our pumping facilities lose power the customers on that system may experience a 'Depressurization Event' as a result of the loss of power.

Because your health is important to us, we want to explain in greater detail the steps we have, and will continue to take, to protect the water supply during a depressurization event.  We would also like to inform you of the measures you may choose to take to protect your health should a pressure loss event occur. 

Even well designed and operated water systems, such as those operated by North Kootenai Water District, may experience pressure loss (depressurization events) from time to time.  When a significant pressure loss occurs there is a potential for back flow or cross connection contamination to occur in the water system’s distribution system, thus initiating an opportunity for contaminants to be drawn into the drinking water supply.  We have done our best to limit this potential through the implementation of our cross connection control program and by continually disinfecting our system with low levels of chlorine. 

While we have established these preventative measures to significantly diminish the potential for contamination, it is not possible for any public drinking water system to completely rule out the potential for contamination during a depressurization event.  This potential for the introduction of microbial and chemical contaminants into the water system may pose a special health risk for people with weakened immune systems (immuno-compromised persons), children, and the elderly.  If such contamination were to occur it might cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, headaches, or other symptoms. 

If you are concerned about the potential for contamination due to a depressurization event, and you notice a decrease in pressure at your tap, please consume bottled water.  Boiling your water, while effective in killing bacteria, may not be effective to ensure that you are protected from all potential contamination. 

In the event of a depressurization of the system North Kootenai Water District’s certified operators will collect bacteria samples from each of our water systems.  If any sample is positive (results take 24 hours for the laboratory to run the coliform test) the District will flush, disinfect and retest the effected areas.  You will be mailed a letter notifying you of any positive results.

Backflow Prevention

All Lawn Irrigation Systems Require Backflow Prevention!

All backflow prevention assemblies must be tested annually at spring start up for proper operation and protection.

Why?

Lawn irrigation systems make watering lawns and gardens easier, save you time, and can be designed to be water efficient.  However, water contaminated by weed killers, fertilizers, and animal waste can backflow into your drinking water.  To protect your drinking water from potential contamination, it is important to have an approved backflow protection assembly on your irrigation system.  Lawn irrigation systems do require special equipment to prevent contaminated water from siphoning back into your home plumbing and public water systems. 

• A Backflow Assembly
       o  Double Check Valve
       o  Pressure Vacuum Breaker
       o  Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker
  

A lawn irrigation system not protected by an approved backflow prevention assembly endangers the health of a household, neighborhood, and community!

All lawn irrigation systems - new or existing - must be equipped with an Idaho State approved backflow prevention assembly.  Only an Idaho state and plumbing code approved backflow prevention assembly properly installed will meet the state plumbing code requirements and provide proper protection for the health of your family and neighbors.  

How does backflow happen?

Backflow is water flow in reverse direction from the normal direction of flow in a piping system.  This occurs due to different pressures existing between two different points within a piping system; water of a higher pressure flowing to water of lower pressure.

Backflow may occur due to either backsiphonage or backpressure.

Backsiphonage - is caused by negative pressure in the piping system.

• A water line repair or break that is lower than a water service point.
• A lower water main pressure due to a high water usage rate such as in fire fighting or water main flushing.
• Reduced water supply pressure on the suction side of a water booster pump.

Backpressure - occurs when the water supply piping is connected to a piping system or plumbing fixture which exceeds the operating pressure of the water supply piping.

• Booster pumps
• Water supply line connections to a boiler or other heating systems where thermal expansion is possible
• Connecting to a water system that operates at a higher pressure

The following list is for informational purposes only.

Backflow Testing Services:

Water Conservation -We can all do our part!

The District will provide rebates to customers who provide acceptable proof of expenditure of funds, as described in the program description, for the purchase and use of approved instruments to assist in water conservation (Resolution 2008-15, adopted 05/01/08).

The rebate consists of a maximum, one-time, rebate credit of $75.00 per residential customer.

Please click here to be directed to the Residential Landscape Rebate Credit form and to print the Rebate Eligibility requirements. 

Water conservation tips:

These conservation tips are being provided by the North Kootenai Water & Sewer District in an effort to encourage preservation and protection of our important sole source aquifer. Thank you for your help!!

Water conservation in your home

• Fix leaking faucets - A small leak can waste 20 or more gallons per day.
• Wash full loads of clothes and dishes - Each extra load can use up to 40 gallons.
• Shut off the faucet when brushing your teeth or shaving - Running the faucet for two minutes can waste a gallon of water.
• Shorten showers or turn them off while soaping
• Use water efficient appliances - Newer appliances can cut water use by 50%.
• Each flush wastes water - Don't use the toilet as a wastebasket.

Water conservation in the Yard

• Avoid over-watering your lawn - Lawns need only 1-2" of water per week including rain.
• Check sprinklers regularly and fix leaks or broken units
• Adjust sprinklers to avoid watering pavement - If it can't grow, why water it?
• Adjust watering schedule according to the season - Plants need less water in early and late seasons.
• Turn sprinklers off during and following a rainstorm - Why pay for water if Mother Nature does it for you?
• Sprinkle lawns before 10:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m. to reduce evaporation - Water that evaporates doesn't help the plants.
• Use drip irrigation systems on shrubs, trees, and flowers
• Sweep sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, or other paved surfaces with a broom instead of washing them with water.
• Wash cars where water is not wasted - Water in the gutter is just money down the drain.
• Hand water dry spots in the yard rater than over-watering the rest.

Water Conservation with landscaping

• Mulch trees, shrubs, and flowers to retain soil moisture - 2" of mulch can reduce evaporation by 50%.
• Separate landscaping and plants into different irrigation zones - Trees and shrubs have different water needs than flowers and lawns.
• Reduce lawn areas and replace with ground covers.
• Consider native vegetation or drought-tolerant varieties - Drought tolerance occurs once plant is established.

Some good choices for local area:

• Trees: Hackberry, Russian Olive, Locust
• Shrubs: Siberian Pea Shrub, Caryopteris, Smoke Tree, Catoneaster, Juniper, Yew, Sumac, Mahonia, Pyracantha, Snowberry
• Ground cover and vines: Juniper, Thyme, Kinnickkinnick
• Perennials: Thrift, Artemesia, Butterfly Weed, Beaded Iris, Daffodils, Penstemon

Voluntary conservation now may avoid
mandatory restrictions later!

Consumer Confidence Reports - 2007

Newsletters

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