The region is known for its three large lakes—Priest Lake, Pend Oreille Lake, and Coeur d'Alene Lake—as well as numerous smaller ones. As a result, surface waters are used as sources for drinking water systems more than in any other region in the state. The region's principal industries include agriculture, timber, mining, and recreation.

Because of its beautiful forests and lakes, which provide many recreational opportunities, and its proximity to Spokane, Washington, the Coeur d'Alene Region has the second highest population density (20.6 persons per square mile) in the state (only the Boise Region has a slightly higher density at 20.7 persons per square mile). The Coeur d'Alene Region has only 9.4% of the state's population, but it is concentrated in 13.8% of the state's total geographical area, and the Coeur d'Alene Region continues to grow. With growth come concerns about traffic, air pollution, ground water pollution, and other environmental issues.

 Air Quality

 Water Quality

 Drinking Water

 Ground Water

Operation of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad’s Mainline Refueling Facility at Hauser, Idaho

Summary of efforts to protect ground water beneath the BNSF Hauser fueling facility.

Ground Water Quality Reports by Geographical Area

Ground water evaluations listed by county.

 Surface Water

Coeur d'Alene Lake, Management of

Overview of the history and status of this project, with links to the draft plan and addendum.

Subbasin Assessments and Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) in the Coeur d'Alene Region

Status of water quality improvement plans in the region.

 Basin Advisory Groups (BAGs)

 Watershed Advisory Groups (WAGs)

 Wastewater

City of Coeur d'Alene Plant Materials Guidelines for Stormwater Best Management Practices

(USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service Publication, September 2002: pdf 612 kb, 71 pages)

Technical information for selecting and planting vegetation associated with stormwater Best Management Practices.

 Waste

Coeur d'Alene Basin Remediation

Overview of activities to clean up metals contamination from mining activities in the Coeur d'Alene Basin.

Hauser Mainline Assessment Report

Response Action Maintenance Plan (RAMP) for the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes

Prescribes oversight and management activities designed to ensure that the response actions conducted on the railroad right-of-way formerly operated by Union Pacific Railroad and other railroads, which has been converted into a recreational trail known as the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes, are maintained and preserved to protect human health and the environment.

 Other