Water Testing in Boise, Idaho

Boise's Public Works Department organizes regular testing of surface and groundwater throughout Boise, in addition to treating the city's waste water. Resident safety and environmental protection list among the priorities in these measures.

Sectors

• In the waste water sector, the city of Boise maintains a high standard in treating and testing the city's sewer water before releasing the water into the Boise River. According to the Public Works Department, these standards exceed those of the Environmental Protection Agency.

  In addition, the Department regularly tests and monitors the city's surface and groundwater supply.

Process

• The Public Works Department monitors the area's surface water by taking numerous samples along the Boise River and from the waste water collection system, which is done multiple times throughout the year. Further, the city's groundwater is regularly monitored by sampling water from the Boise Parks and Recreation's irrigation wells.

Compliance

• The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality mandates that the city's groundwater and any other water linked to the area's water supply be regularly tested. In addition, the city of Boise must compile an annual "Consumer Confidence Report" that demonstrates where the city's drinking water comes from and details what particulates exist in it.