Project Sponsor
Santa-Fernwood Water and Sewer District
Purpose
This project will construct a reclaimed water system in the communities of Santa and Fernwood, Idaho, to decrease nutrient loads in Coeur d’Alene Lake via the St. Maries River. The project is jointly managed by the Fernwood Water and Sewer District and Santa Water and Sewer District and involves acquiring land and constructing a water system to provide reclaimed water for agricultural/silvicultural purposes (land-applying treated water instead of discharging it to surface water).
Funding
This project received $7.01 million from Governor Little’s Leading Idaho initiative.
Current Status
Land has been acquired for the reuse portion of this project. The design of the water reuse system is ongoing. Operational modifications to the existing wastewater treatment plant have been initiated to accommodate project design and construction. The project is expected to enter the bidding phase by June 2025, with construction to follow shortly after.
Outcome
This project is expected to reduce phosphorus loads to Coeur d’Alene Lake by approximately 660 pounds annually.
