BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

The board of directors regular meeting is Wednesday July 23, 2025 at 6:00 P.M. located at 6095 Mullan Trail Rd.  The agenda is posted under the pages tab.

Emergency Repairs Complete - System Recovery in Process

Transcript of Phone Message:

Phone Message June 26, 2025, 5:15 PM

This is a message from the Kootenai County Water District No. 1 Board of Directors.

The break on the 6-inch and 2-inch mains near Pine Lane have been repaired, and the reservoir reached the level that the Grouse Meadows and Vista Booster Stations could be re-primed and brought back on line. 

The reservoir has recovered to the point that essential household water use can now be resumed, but the District asks that you conserve water use as much as possible until tomorrow morning.

Please monitor the KCWD#1 blog at www.kcwd1.blogspot.com for any further updates, and let your neighbors know the current status of this water emergency, as not all Patrons have subscribed to the blog.

Encourage your neighbors to subscribe to the blog to receive emails, when information is posted, via the link on the left side of the Home page of the KCWD#1 blog.  Also, if you have neighbors that do not get the automated emergency calls, please encourage them to sign up by using the Emergency Phone Contact Information Form that is linked in the upper right of the Home page of the District blog.

 

Thank you.

Reservoir Is Still Critically Low - Recovery is in Process

Update 2:15 PM:  The 6-inch main has been repaired and the District has begun the recovery of the Reservoir.  However, it will take another few hours to get it to a level where the Grouse Meadows and Vista Booster Pump Stations can be re-primed and turned back on, and water service can be restored to these areas.

There is a parallel 2-inch main, that also broke, and is being repaired right now.  There are Patrons on Cartwright that will not have water service restored until that 2-inch main repair is completed in the next half hour or so.

Starting at around 4:00 PM, Patrons can begin using water for essential household use only.  The higher the use is at this time will delay recovery.  The full Reservoir recovery will happen overnight.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Reminder: Patrons who have had their water service interrupted, should open one inside tap slowly to vent any air that may have gotten into their plumbing, and then flush their lines until running water is clear during first use.

Water System Emergency! Please Stop All Water Use Immediately!

Transcript of Emergency Phone Message:

Phone Message June 26, 2025, 10:45 AM

This is a message from the Kootenai County Water District No. 1 Board of Directors.

This is a water system emergency.  Please stop all water use immediately.

There has been a serious break on the 6 inch main on Pine Lane in the Bonanza area of the District.  The reservoir is being depleted rapidly as District personnel are trying to shut the correct valves to isolate the break and stop the water loss and reservoir depletion.

When the break is isolated, the repair is expected to take a few hours.

Please monitor the KCWD#1 blog at www.kcwd1.blogspot.com for updates, and let your neighbors know about this District-wide Shutdown, as not all Patrons have subscribed to the blog.

Thank you.

Emergency Repair for Break on Pine Rd.

There is a break on the six-inch main on Pine.  Repairs will begin shortly, and valves to isolate the break will be turned off to enable the repair.  Patrons connected to this main on Pine will experience a water service interruption until the repair is complete.  ETR (Estimated Time of Restoration) is 3:00 PM this afternoon.

Reminder: Patrons who have had their water service interrupted, should open one inside tap slowly to vent any air that may have gotten into their plumbing, and then flush their lines until running water is clear during first use.

Late Update: Vista Booster Is Back Online

Due to Board Meeting tonight, this update is late.  As of about 6:00 PM the Vista Booster Pump Station was back online, and beginning recovery.  The system will continue to recover fully overnight as Patrons resumed water use once the water pressure increased after the testing of the Solenoid/Cla Valve, and pumps were turned back on.

Vista Booster is Still Down and Needs to be Tested! Need Affected Patrons to Stop All Water Use Until Testing Is Complete!

To All Patrons serviced by the Vista Booster:

PLEASE STOP ALL WATER USE UNTIL NOTIFIED VIA THE BLOG TO RESUME!  YOU WILL SEE A PRESSURE DROP AS THE PUMPS ARE BEING TURNED OFF.

The reservoir under the pump station is being filled manually, and as it gets drained by water use by Patrons, District personnel are not able to test whether the solenoid that controls the Cla Valve is working properly.  The pumps are being turned off, so Patrons served by this Booster Station will see a drop in water pressure, or an interruption in water service.  The faster that the reservoir can be filled and hold the fill level, the faster the District can determine if the system is working and then recover this system for full use.  

Please let your neighbors know what is going on if they are not monitoring the blog.  Thank you for your cooperation.

Reminder: Patrons who have had their water service interrupted, should open one inside tap slowly to vent any air that may have gotten into their plumbing, and then flush their lines until running water is clear during first use.

Vista Booster Loss of Pressure 12:50 PM, Wednesday

Update 2:25 PM:  Problem has been identified as the solenoid that controls the Cla Valve.  Currently, a manual bypass is being used to refill the small reservoir under the Vista Booster Station to ensure the Vista mains remain pressurized.  Specific ETR has not been determined yet, as additional service personnel are enroute to determine the details of the repair.  Expect to have this resolved sometime today.  Will post specifics when new information is available.

Please stop water use until notified that system is back online.

Update 1:06 PM:  Cla valve or solenoid issue at Vista Booster Pump Station.  At this time, District does not have an ETR (Estimated Time of Restoration).  Will update when information is available.

District has gotten reports of loss of pressure in the area serviced by the Vista Booster Pump Station and is investigating the cause now.  Will post update when available.

REMINDER: Planned Water System Shutdown - Stop all Water Use All Day Today, Tuesday June 24th

Update 7:30 PM:  Most of the system is back online.  However, the Vista Booster is experiencing some pressure related issues at start up.  All Patrons serviced by the Vista Booster Station (Vista Loop, Highview, Kingswood and part of Bonnell) should hold off on water use until 8:30 PM to give the mains time to re-pressurize.

Thank you to all District customers for stopping all water use today while tie-ins were being completed.  The reservoir saw minimum draw down throughout the day. 

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Crews will shortly begin the process, this morning, of shutting off valves on the Main Line to the reservoir in preparation for the new Main tie-ins work, and existing water meter hook-ups along these new mains.

PLEASE STOP ALL WATER USE FOR THE DAY UNTIL THE WATER DISTRICT NOTIFIES YOU THAT VALVES ARE RE-OPENED.  

Work is anticipated to be complete by 6:00 PM this evening, but monitor the blog for updates.

Reminder: Patrons who have had their water service interrupted, should open one inside tap slowly to vent any air that may have gotten into their plumbing, and then flush their lines until running water is clear during first use.

24 Hour Notice of Planned District-wide Water System Shutdown

Transcript of 24-Hour Phone Notice of District-wide Shutdown:

Phone Message June 23, 2025, 8:45 AM

This is an important 24-hour notice from the Kootenai County Water District No. 1 Board of Directors.

Tomorrow, there will be a planned District-wide Shutdown of the Water System, on Tuesday, June 24th from 9:00 am to 6:00 PM.  The District contractor will be tying in the new mains that were recently installed in the Bonanza area, as well as connecting existing meters.  In order to do this, valves will be closed on the main line that delivers water to the reservoir.  In order not to deplete the reservoir, which would cause mains to de-pressurize, it is critical that all District customers stop all water use during this shutdown until tie-ins are complete, and valves are re-opened.

Please check the KCWD#1 blog at www.kcwd1.blogspot.com for updates, and let your neighbors know about this District-wide Shutdown, as not all Patrons have subscribed to the blog.

Encourage your neighbors to subscribe to the blog to receive emails, when information is posted, via the link on the left side of the Home page of the KCWD#1 blog.  Also, if you have neighbors that do not get the automated emergency calls, please encourage them to sign up by using the Emergency Phone Contact Information Form that is linked in the upper right of the Home page of the District blog.

Thank you.

PLANNED DISTRICT-WIDE WATER SYSTEM SHUTDOWN TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2025

REMINDER:  There will be a planned District-wide Shutdown of the Water System, on Tuesday, June 24th from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.  The District contractor will be tying in the new mains that were recently installed in the Bonanza area, as well as connecting existing water meters to the new mains.  In order to do this, valves will be closed on the Main that delivers water to the reservoir, requiring that all District customers stop all water use so that the reservoir is not depleted and mains de-pressurize.

Please check the KCWD#1 blog at www.kcwd1.blogspot.com for updates, and let your neighbors know about this District-wide shutdown, as not all Patrons have subscribed to the blog.

Encourage your neighbors to subscribe to the blog to receive emails, when information is posted, via the link on the left side of the Home page of the KCWD#1 blog.  Also, if you have neighbors that do not get the automated emergency calls, please encourage them to sign up by using the Emergency Phone Contact Information Form that is linked in the upper right of the Home page of the District blog.

Thank you.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

The KCWD1 board of directors meeting is Wednesday June 25, 2025 at 6:00 P.M. located at 6095 Mullan Trail Rd.  The agenda is listed under the agenda pages tab.

Reminder: District-Wide Water System Shutdown, Tuesday, June 24, 2025, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Attention all Patrons:  

A reminder that there will be a planned District-wide Shutdown of the Water System, on Tuesday, June 24th from 9:00 am to 6:00 PM.  The District contractor will be tying in the new mains that were recently installed in the Bonanza area.  In order to do this, valves will be closed on the main that delivers water to the reservoir, requiring that all District customers stop all water use so that the reservoir is not depleted and mains de-pressurize.

Please check the KCWD#1 blog at www.kcwd1.blogspot.com for updates, and let your neighbors know about this District-wide shutdown, as not all Patrons have subscribed to the blog.

Encourage your neighbors to subscribe to the blog to receive emails, when information is posted, via the link on the left side of the Home page of the KCWD#1 blog.  Also, if you have neighbors that do not get the automated emergency calls, please encourage them to sign up by using the Emergency Phone Contact Information Form that is linked in the upper right of the Home page of the District blog.

Thank you.

Reminder: Patrons who have had their water service interrupted, should open one inside tap slowly to vent any air that may have gotten into their plumbing, and then flush their lines until running water is clear during first use.

One Week Notice: District-Wide Water System Shutdown, Tuesday, June 24, 2025, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Attention all Patrons:  

There will be a planned District-wide Shutdown of the Water System a week from tomorrow, on Tuesday, June 24th from 9:00 am to 6:00 PM.  The District contractor will be tying in the new mains that were recently installed in the Bonanza area.  In order to do this, valves will be closed on the main that delivers water to the reservoir, requiring that all District customers stop all water use so that the reservoir is not depleted and mains de-pressurize.

Please check the KCWD#1 blog at www.kcwd1.blogspot.com for updates, and let your neighbors know about this District-wide shutdown, as not all Patrons have subscribed to the blog.

Encourage your neighbors to subscribe to the blog to receive emails, when information is posted, via the link on the left side of the Home page of the KCWD#1 blog.  Also, if you have neighbors that do not get the automated emergency calls, please encourage them to sign up by using the Emergency Phone Contact Information Form that is linked in the upper right of the Home page of the District blog.

Thank you.

Reminder: Patrons who have had their water service interrupted, should open one inside tap slowly to vent any air that may have gotten into their plumbing, and then flush their lines until running water is clear during first use.

Valve Shut-off Testing on Bonanza Tomorrow, Friday, June 13, 2025 - Bonanza and Grouse Meadows Customers Affected

Tomorrow, several valves along the Bonanza main line will be partially, or completely closed, in order to determine which valves will need to be shut down for the tie-ins to the new mains that have been constructed in the Bonanza area of the District as part of the Phase 2 Capital Improvements Project.  Short Water Service Interruptions and Pressure Fluctuations (anticipated to be approximately a half hour in duration) will occur for Patrons serviced by these mains in the Bonanza area as well as Grouse Meadows during this testing tomorrow, Friday, June 13, 2025.

The actual tie-ins are planned for the week of June 23rd, and will necessitate a total shut down of the water system for all Patrons.

Please monitor the blog over the next week for additional and specific information as the schedule is finalized.

Reminder: Patrons who have had their water service interrupted, should open one inside tap slowly to vent any air that may have gotten into their plumbing, and then flush their lines until running water is clear during first use.

 

REMINDER VISTA BOOSTER PLANNED WATER SERVICE INTERRUPTION

Reminder:  Planned Shutdown of Vista Booster Pump Station – Water Service Interruption

 

KCWD#1 Patrons who live on Vista Loop, Highview Drive, and the Kingswood area, and any other Patrons serviced by the Vista Booster Station, will experience a water service interruption on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 from _8:00____ AM to _4:00___ PM.  The District contractor, LaRiviere, will be changing over the operation to the new equipment at the Vista Booster Station, which will involve temporarily shutting down pumping.  Please let your neighbors know about this service interruption, as not all of the Patrons in this area subscribe to the blog.

 

Please check the blog for updates on this planned shutdown.

 

Reminder: Patrons who have had their water service interrupted, should open one inside tap slowly to vent any air that may have gotten into their plumbing, and then flush their lines until running water is clear during first use.

 

 

Thank you, Loretta!

 

VISTA BOOSTER STATION REPAIRED

THE VISTA BOOSTER STATION ELECTRICAL PANEL HAS BEEN REPAIRED.  WATER SERVICE IS NOW BEING RESTORED TO PATRONS AFFECTED.  

VISTA BOOSTER STATION WATER DISRUPTION

THE VISTA BOOSTER STATION HAS HAD AN ELECTRICAL PANEL MALFUNCTION.  PLEASE BE ADVISED WATER SERVICE WILL BE  INTERRUPTED FOR MOST OF THE DAY.  PLEASE CHECK THE BLOG FOR FURTHER UPDATES.  

Vista Booster Pump Station Start-up Schedule

On Monday through Wednesday, June 2-4, 2025, the final testing and start up process will be performed on the newly renovated and upgraded Vista Booster Pump Station.  Work is a little ahead of schedule, so the change over to the new equipment may happen as early as Tuesday, but the current plan is Wednesday.

During the testing Patrons served by this booster station will see fluctuations in pressure, and there will be an interruption of water service during the actual change over to the new equipment.

Please monitor the blog for the specific time and duration of the shutdown.

Note:  The recent pressure fluctuations which some Patrons experienced in the last week were due to various failures of the old Vista Booster Station equipment, including the float transducers and the check valve.  The replacement of some of this old equipment is just in time.

MAIN BREAK REPAIRED

GOOD NEWS, THE MAIN BREAK ON SUNNYSIDE AND PONDEROSA HAS BEEN REPAIRED.  THE SYSTEM IS  FILLING NOW AND WATER IS BACK ON AND CAN BE USED.  WITHIN THE HOUR EVERYTHING SHOULD BE FULLY RESTORED. 

Transcript of Phone Message sent 6:20 PM:

This message is from the Kootenai County Water District No. 1 Board of Directors.

The break on the Sunnyside-Bonanza main has been repaired and the system is recovering at a good pace.  Water use can return to normal for all Patrons.

Fortunately, the break was on a connection from the main to a property service, and not a break on the main itself.

Please check the KCWD#1 blog at www.kcwd1.blogspot.com for updates, and let your neighbors know about this water system emergency update, as not all Patrons have subscribed to the emergency notification system or blog.

If you have not already subscribed to the blog to get an email when information is posted, you can do so via the link on the left side of the Home page of the KCWD#1 blog.  If you have neighbors that do not get the automated emergency calls, please encourage them to sign up by using the Emergency Phone Contact Information Form that is linked in the upper right of the Home page of the District blog.

Thank you.  

Water System Emergency: Major Main Break at Sunnyside and Ponderosa STOP ALL WATER USE!

The System has had a major break on the large main at Sunnyside and Bonanza.  This is the main line to feed the reservoir, so we are currently not able to supply water to the reservoir until it is repaired.  District is starting repair activity now.

PLEASE STOP ALL WATER USE UNTIL THE REPAIR IS COMPLETE.  THE REPAIR IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETE THIS EVENING.  PLEASE CHECK THE BLOG FOR UPDATES.

Reminder: Patrons who have had their water service interrupted, should open one inside tap slowly to vent any air that may have gotten into their plumbing, and then flush their lines until running water is clear during first use. 

Transcript of Emergency Phone Notification sent at 2:25 PM:

Phone Message May 30, 2025, 2:25 PM

This message is from the Kootenai County Water District No. 1 Board of Directors.

This is a Water System Emergency notification.

The System has had a major break on the large main at Sunnyside and Bonanza.  This is the main line to feed the reservoir, so we are currently not able to supply water to the reservoir until it is repaired.  District is starting repair activity now.

PLEASE STOP ALL WATER USE UNTIL THE REPAIR IS COMPLETE.  THE REPAIR IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETE THIS EVENING.  PLEASE CHECK THE BLOG FOR UPDATES. 

The District will notify all Patrons when the repair is complete and the system has recovered sufficiently for resuming normal water use. 

Please check the KCWD#1 blog at www.kcwd1.blogspot.com for updates, and let your neighbors know about this water system emergency, as not all Patrons have subscribed to the emergency notification system or blog.

Thank you.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

The water district board meeting is Wednesday May 28, 2025 at 6:00 P.M. located at 6095 Mullan Trail Rd. The agenda is posted in the agendas tab under pages.

Vista Booster Pump Station Controls Issue

Update 7:45 PM:  The control issue appears to be resolved, but the District will continue to monitor to ensure that the system continues to perform as expected.

Over the last few days, the Vista Booster has had to be manually controlled as the automated controls for demand is not working properly.  As a result, Patrons served by this booster pump station have experienced variation in pressure over the last few days.  The District has the electricians and Control System personnel on site and expect to have the station back up and running normally be the end of the day.  Please monitor the blog for updates.  Thank you for your patience.

Leak on Lower Borley Road

Update 1:30 PM:  Leak has been repaired and main is being repressurized.

Reminder: Patrons who have had their water service interrupted, should open one inside tap slowly to vent any air that may have gotten into their plumbing, and then flush their lines until running water is clear during first use.

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A leak was found on lower Borley Rd. this morning, Saturday, May 17th.  Water service has been interrupted for lower Borley Rd. and Chelsea to isolate the leak.  District on site and waiting for locates before excavating and repair.  Estimated Time of Restoration (ETR) is 2:00 PM this afternoon.  Please monitor the blog for updates.

Reminder: Patrons who have had their water service interrupted, should open one inside tap slowly to vent any air that may have gotten into their plumbing, and then flush their lines until running water is clear during first use. 

Phase 2 Main Line Replacements Work Begin Monday, May 13th

Now that ESHD has lifted road load restrictions, LaRiviere, KCWD#1's Contractor for Phase 2 Capital Improvements, will begin main replacements in the Bonanza area of the District on Monday, May 13, 2025.  The work will start with replacing mains at Cartwright and Ponderosa through to Allen Road.

KCWD#1 is coordinating with ESHD so that the Water District work does not conflict with planned ESHD road improvement work.  The Phase 2 plan replaces approximately 8200 feet of old and failing mains in the Bonanza area, as well as bring the main size up to current code.

Patrons in the work area should check the blog often for updates, as well as road signs indicating temporary closures and detours.

Patrons will also be notified when their service lines will be connected to the new mains.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we make these critical upgrades and improvements to the Kootenai County Water District No. 1 system.

Cartwright Leak Repaired

Fortunately, it took a lot less time than expected to repair the leak.  Mains are repressurized, and Water Service has been restored.

Reminder: Patrons who have had their water service interrupted, should open one inside tap slowly to vent any air that may have gotten into their plumbing, and then flush their lines until running water is clear during first use. 

Leak on Cartwright - Repair Scheduled for Thursday, May 1, 2025

A leak was discovered today on Cartwright in the Ponderosa area.  District has scheduled repair work for tomorrow, Thursday, May 1, 2025, beginning at 9:00 AM.  Water service will be interrupted at 9:00 AM for Patrons on Cartwright, Little Joe, Hoss, and Allen Rd. until the repair is completed.  ETR (Estimated Time of Restoration) is 4:00 PM.  Please monitor the blog for updates.

Reminder: Patrons who have had their water service interrupted, should open one inside tap slowly to vent any air that may have gotte,n into their plumbing, and then flush their lines until running water is clear during first use.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS APRIL MEETING

The KCWD1 meeting is Wednesday April 23, 2025 at 6:00 P.M. located at 6095 Mullan Trail Rd.  View the agenda under the pages tab for meeting agendas.

Vista Booster Station Water Service Restored

Planned work has been completed on the Vista Booster Station, and water service is now restored to Patrons on Vista Loop, E Highview Dr., and Kingswood.  Thank you for your patience during this planned outage.

Reminder: Patrons who have had their water service interrupted, should open one inside tap slowly to vent any air that may have gotten into their plumbing, and then flush their lines until running water is clear during first use.

REMINDER! Planned Water Service Interruption Tuesday, April 15, 2025 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

KCWD#1 Patrons who live on Vista Loop, Highview Drive, and the Kingswood area, and any other Patrons serviced by the Vista Booster Station, will experience a water service interruption on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  The District contractor, LaRiviere, will be relocating the electrical service to the Vista Booster Station, shutting down the pumps, in preparation for work to install new pumps and the backup generator for this station as part of the Phase 2 Capital Project.  Please let your neighbors know about this service interruption, as not all of the Patrons in this area subscribe to the blog.

Please check the blog for updates on this planned shutdown.

Reminder: Patrons who have had their water service interrupted, should open one inside tap slowly to vent any air that may have gotten into their plumbing, and then flush their lines until running water is clear during first use.

Planned Water Service Interruption Tuesday, April 15, 2025 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

KCWD#1 Patrons who live on Vista Loop, Highview Drive, and the Kingswood area, and any other Patrons serviced by the Vista Booster Station, will experience a water service interruption on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  The District contractor, LaRiviere, will be relocating the electrical service to the Vista Booster Station, shutting down the pumps, in preparation for work to install new pumps and the backup generator for this station as part of the Phase 2 Capital Project.  Please let your neighbors know about this service interruption, as not all of the Patrons in this area subscribe to the blog.

Please check the blog for updates on this planned shutdown.

Reminder: Patrons who have had their water service interrupted, should open one inside tap slowly to vent any air that may have gotten into their plumbing, and then flush their lines until running water is clear during first use.

TEMPORARY WATER DISTRUPTION

PATRONS ON VISTAL LOOP.  THERE IS A TEMPORARY WATER DISRUPTION TO REPLACE A PUMP AT THE VISTA LOOP STATION.  SERVICE WILL BE  RESTORED NO LATER THAN 10:30 A.M.

VISTA LOOP WATER SERVICE RESTORED

WATER SERVICE IS RESTORED TO THE VISTA LOOP AND SURROUNDING AREAS.  THE WORK IS COMPLETE.  

WE GREATLY APPRECIATE YOUR PATIENCE AND COOPERATION AS WE WORK TO MAKE THESE SCHEDULED IMPROVEMENTS TO OUR OUR WATER SYSTEM.

WATER SERVICE DISTRUPTION

PLEASE BE ADVISED A PLANNED WATER DISRUPTION IN THE VISTA LOOP AREA, BONNELL RD. AND PARTS OF SUNNYSIDE WILL REQUIRE MORE AREA THAN ANTICIPATED.  DISTRUPTION IN SERVICE IS ANTICIPATED TO BE COMPLETE BY 2:00 P.M.

WE APOLOGIZE FOR THE TEMPORARY INCONVIENCE.

Scheduled Water Service Outage on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM: Additional Customers Affected

As part of the Phase 2 Capital Project work, a PRV (Pressure Reducing Valve) is being installed on Vista Loop.  Patrons on lower Vista Loop, as well as lower Bonnell to Yellowstone Trail will experience a water service interruption between 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM this Wednesday, March 26th, during the work to tie this valve into the water main at that location.  

Reminder: Patrons who have had their water service interrupted, should open one inside tap slowly to vent any air that may have gotten into their plumbing, and then flush their lines until running water is clear during first use.

Scheduled Water Service Outage on Lower Vista Loop Wednesday, March 26, 2025, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

As part of the Phase 2 Capital Project work, a PRV (Pressure Reducing Valve) is being installed on Vista Loop.  Patrons on lower Vista Loop will experience a water service interruption between 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM this Wednesday, March 26th, during the work to tie this valve into the water main at that location.  

Reminder: Patrons who have had their water service interrupted, should open one inside tap slowly to vent any air that may have gotten into their plumbing, and then flush their lines until running water is clear during first use.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

The Water District Board of Directors meeting is Wednesday March 26, 2025 at 6:00 P.M.  Located at 6095 Mullan Trail Rd.  The agenda is posted on the agendas tab.

Leak on Shiras Rd. Has Been Repaired

Update 2:00 PM:  The leak found this morning on Shiras Road has been repaired, and the valve has been re-opened to repressurize the isolated main.  Water Service is being restored.

Reminder: Patrons who have had their water service interrupted, should open one inside tap slowly to vent any air that may have gotten into their plumbing, and then flush their lines until running water is clear during first use.

Leak on Shiras Rd.

Monday, March 10th, 10:0 AM:   A leak has been discovered this morning on Shiras Rd.  In order to repair the leak, a valve will need to be shut off to isolate the repair site.  Patrons on north Shiras Road will experience an interruption of their water service while the repair is being done.  ETR (Estimated Time of Restoration) is 4:00 PM this afternoon.

Please monitor the blog for updates.

Reminder: Patrons who have had their water service interrupted, should open one inside tap slowly to vent any air that may have gotten into their plumbing, and then flush their lines until running water is clear during first use.

Raw Water Line Repaired: Normal Water Use after Midnight Can Resume

Transcript of Phone Message:

Phone Message February 23, 2025, 4:45 PM

This message is from the Kootenai County Water District No. 1 Board of Directors.

Fortunately, District personnel were able to repair the break in the raw water inlet main, and have now begun system recovery.

We ask that all Patrons continue to minimize water use until midnight tonight, as indicators are that the system will have recovered at that time to allow normal water use to resume.

Thank you for your cooperation during this water system emergency.

Please check the KCWD#1 blog at www.kcwd1.blogspot.com for updates, and communicate this update to your neighbors, as not all Patrons have subscribed to the emergency notification system or blog.

Thank you.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING

The KCWD1 regular meeting is Wednesday February 26, 2025 at 6:00 P.M. located at 6095 Mullan Trail Rd.  The agenda is available on the agenda tab.

Water System Emergency - Reduce to Minimal Water Use Immediately

Update1:00 PM:   After assessing the break, the District believes it will be able to do the necessary repairs with District personnel.  Current estimated repair completion by this evening, but please continue to minimize water use until District notifies all Patrons that water use can return to normal.

Transcript of Phone Message February 23, 2025, 10:30 PM

This message is from the Kootenai County Water District No. 1 Board of Directors.

This is a water system emergency.  The raw water inlet main has had a major break in another location from where it was repaired a few weeks ago.

The raw water pumps have been shut down, and must remain so, until a repair is complete.  The District, again, has a call in to the contractor with the necessary equipment to do this repair as soon as possible, but we do not have a schedule yet. The District is arranging for potable water trucks to keep filling the contact chamber reservoir in order to maintain water in the distribution system, but this will not keep up with normal demand. 

The District asks that all Patrons reduce their water use to a bare minimum, immediately, until further notice.  The District will notify all Patrons when the repair is complete and the system has recovered sufficiently for resuming normal water use.

Please check the KCWD#1 blog at www.kcwd1.blogspot.com for updates, and let your neighbors know about this water system emergency, as not all Patrons have subscribed to the emergency notification system or blog.

Thank you.

NOTE:  You can now add or update your phone number(s) to be contacted by the District's CallMultiplier automated call system in the case of a water system emergency by downloading, filling in, and submitting the KCWD#1 Emergency Phone Contact Information Form.  You can find the link to the form in the upper righthand corner of the blog Home page under the "Pages" list.

Please encourage your neighbors to opt into this important notification system if they are not already getting the calls!

If you are already receiving the calls, no action is required at this time.  Please remember to use this form if your information needs to be updated!

You can get Email Blog Updates, too:

In order to receive emails of the blog updates, please use the “follow.it” link on the lefthand side of the Home Page at www.kcwd1.blogspot.com   After you input your email address and hit the “SUBSCRIBE” button, you will receive a confirmation email from “follow.it”.   Please follow the email instructions to complete subscription.

Update on Ponderosa/Cartwright Leak

Update 5:15 PM:  The leak has been repaired and water service has been restored.

Reminder: Patrons who have had their water service interrupted, should open one inside tap slowly to vent any air that may have gotten into their plumbing, and then flush their lines until running water is clear during first use.

Update 1:00 PM:  The repair of the leak has been complicated by the location of other utility lines near the break, so the excavation has to be done carefully and slowly.  This will delay the repair completion, but ETR is still this evening sometime.

Please continue to monitor the blog for updates.

Reminder: Patrons who have had their water service interrupted, should open one inside tap slowly to vent any air that may have gotten into their plumbing, and then flush their lines until running water is clear during first use.

Leak Located at Corner of Ponderosa and Cartwright

The leak in the Bonanza Rd. area was located early this morning.  Repair in process.  ETR (Estimated Time of Restoration) is early this afternoon.

Reminder: Patrons who have had their water service interrupted, should open one inside tap slowly to vent any air that may have gotten into their plumbing, and then flush their lines until running water is clear during first use.

Asking for Help with Locating Leak in the Bonanza Rd. Area

The District has been unable this evening to identify where the leak is on Bonanza Rd.  The heavy snowfall has made this task very difficult.

Jon Aune has requested if Patrons, on Cartwright, Pine, Allen, Hoss, and Little Joe roads, see unusual surface water that has melted any snow around their properties tomorrow morning along the road, to report it as soon as possible by calling him at (208) 797-5438.  Thank you for your help!

Borley/Bonanza Leak Repair Update

7:45 PM:  The leak on Borley has been repaired with a difficult line section replacement, and is holding for now, but will have to be monitored over the next few days.

The Water System Manager is headed over to the Bonanza Rd. area to see if there is any new indication of where that leak may be originating.  At this late hour in the dark, any work will have to wait until tomorrow morning, so Patrons affected by that leak will have water service interrupted overnight.  There is no ETR (Estimated Time of Restoration) for this repair until we have located the leak source, and can assess the work involved in the repair.

Please monitor the blog for updates.

Reminder: Patrons who have had their water service interrupted, should open one inside tap slowly to vent any air that may have gotten into their plumbing, and then flush their lines until running water is clear during first use.

Leak Reported in the Bonanza Road Area

At least three Patrons have reported water service interruption in the Bonanza Rd. area.  The District has not as of yet been able to find the leak location.  The snow cover and continued snowfall is making this task more difficult.  

When the leak is located, the District will start the repair process.  

Please check the blog for updates.

LEAK ON LOWER BORLEY ROAD

A LEAK HAS BEEN DISCOVERED THIS MORNING ON LOWER BORLEY RD.  REPAIR IS UNDER WAY.  THERE WILL BE WATER SERVICE DISTRUPTION WITH THE REPAIR.  THE ESTIMATED TIME FOR REPAIR IS 6:00 P.M. TONIGHT.

Is Your Emergency Contact Information Current?

You can now add or update your phone number(s) to be contacted by the District's CallMultiplier automated call system in the case of a water system emergency by downloading, filling in, and submitting the KCWD#1 Emergency Phone Contact Information Form.  You can find the link to the form in the upper righthand corner of the blog Home page under the "Pages" list.

Please encourage your neighbors to opt into this important notification system if they are not already getting the calls!

If you are already receiving the calls, no action is required at this time.  Please remember to use this form if your information needs to be updated!

Test Results Good! DO NOT DRINK ADVISORY Lifted!

Transcript of Automated Phone Call:

Phone Message February 13, 2025, 1:00 PM

This message is from the Kootenai County Water District No. 1 Board of Directors.

We have some good news.  The District received the coliform test results back today confirming that no biological contaminants are present in the water, and it is safe for human consumption.  DEQ has officially confirmed that the DO NOT DRINK ADVISORY can be lifted immediately.

Please note that the Water District was required by DEQ to mail a hard copy of the DO NOT DRINK ADVISORY to all Patrons, even though it was likely that it would be received after the ADVISORY was lifted.  Please ignore the mailed ADVISORY as it is no longer applicable.

As always, you can access the KCWD#1 blog at www.kcwd1.blogspot.com for updates, emergency notifications, and other important information.  You may also subscribe for emails of blog posts through the “follow.it” app.  Look for the subscription link on the Home page of the KCWD#1 blog, and respond to the confirmation email to complete your subscription.

Thank you.

DO NOT DRINK ADVISORY Still In Effect - System Has Recovered

Patrons can now resume normal water use, but the DO NOT DRINK ADVISORY remains in effect until coliform testing has been completed.  The District expects to get those test results back from the lab tomorrow, Thursday, afternoon.

Until testing is completed to confirm that the water is safe, there is a District wide DO NOT DRINK ADVISORY in place.  DO NOT BOIL and DO NOT DRINK THE WATER.  Bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice.  More details of the advisory are posted to the blog.

Note:  Because we have older homes in the District (built before 1988) that may have lead content in their service lines and plumbing, DEQ has advised that the water from your faucets should not be used for human consumption, even after boiling, until coliform testing (bacterial contamination test) has confirmed that the water is safe.  Lead is not removed by boiling the water, and will concentrate as water evaporates during the boiling process.   Please refer to the Lead Education Notice that was enclosed in your most recent bill for more details regarding lead.

Please keep checking the blog for more updates.

Transcript of Phone Message 7:45 PM

 

Phone Message February 11, 2025, 7:45 PM

This message is from the Kootenai County Water District No. 1 Board of Directors.

The repair of the raw water inlet main was completed at around 4:00 PM this afternoon.  The raw water pumps were then restarted to begin pumping source water to the sand filters and begin system recovery.  It will take at least 12-18 hours to fully recover the levels of the Sand Filters, Contact Chamber and Reservoir.   The Borley Road leak has also been repaired.

At around 8:00 PM this evening, Patrons can begin to repressurize their plumbing by slowly opening one inside faucet to vent air from their lines.

However, please continue to minimize household water use until notified by the District that the system is fully recovered.

Until testing is completed over the next few days to confirm that the water is safe, there is a District wide DO NOT DRINK ADVISORY in place.  DO NOT BOIL and DO NOT DRINK THE WATER.  Bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice.  More details of the advisory are posted to the blog.

Please check the KCWD#1 blog at www.kcwd1.blogspot.com for updates, and let your neighbors know about this water system emergency, as not all Patrons have subscribed to the emergency notification system or blog.

Thank you.

Water System Emergency Update 6:15 PM, February 11, 2025

Update:  Crew completed repair of the raw water inlet main at around 4:00 PM this afternoon.  The raw water pumps were then restarted to begin pumping source water to the sand filters and begin system recovery.  It will take at least 12-18 hours to fully recover the levels of the Sand Filters, Contact Chamber and Reservoir. 

At around 8:00 PM this evening, Patrons can begin to repressurize their plumbing by slowly by opening one inside faucet to vent air from their lines.

Please continue to minimize household water use until notified by the District that the system is fully recovered.

Until testing is completed over the next few days to confirm that the water is safe, do not use the water for human consumption per the DO NOT DRINK ADVISORY below: 

DRINKING WATER WARNING

Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre su agua potable.

Tradúzcalo o hable con alguien que lo entienda bien.

 

System Name and PWS ID#: Kootenai County Water District No. 1  PWS ID # 1280106

DO NOT DRINK ADVISORY

- Aviso para no beber el agua potable -

 

Due to Drop in Pressure

We routinely monitor the conditions in the drinking water distribution system. On February 10, 2025 we experienced a drop in water pressure below 20 psi/loss of pressure due to a break in the raw water inlet main which interrupted the production of water in the system. A drop in/loss of water pressure creates conditions that could allow contamination to enter the distribution system through backflow, by backpressure, or back-siphonage. As a result, there is an increased chance that the drinking water may contain disease-causing organisms. In addition to the loss of pressure, water sampling over the last few years has indicated actionable levels of lead possible in older homes in our District which means you cannot boil the water. High levels of certain contaminants will increase/concentrate the levels, making them more harmful to public health. 

What should I do?

§  DO NOT BOIL and DO NOT DRINK THE WATER. Bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling the water with elevated levels of chemical contaminants, such as arsenic, lead, and nitrates, will increase/concentrate the levels, making them more harmful to public health.

 

§  Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can cause nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches.

§  The symptoms above are caused by many types of organisms. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice. People at increased risk should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.

What is being done?

As the repairs have been completed and the system is back online, the District will be doing field testing of water samples to verify that the water is not contaminated with disease-causing organisms. 

We will inform you when your water is safe to drink. We anticipate resolving the problem within a week.

 

For more information, please contact KCWD#1 at (208) 667-0340 or custserv.kcwd1@gmail.com

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

Water Emergency Update 2:00 PM, February 11, 2025

Crews are still working to repair the water intake line and the Borley leak, but still do not have an ETR (Estimated Time of Restoration) to report.  You may be seeing that you have some water pressure. This is due to the continuous potable water trucks that are pumping water into the Clear Well in the effort to keep the mains pressurized and refilling the reservoir.

Please continue to minimize/stop all water use until notified so that we can keep the system pressurized.

Note:  Because we have older homes in the District (built before 1988) that may have lead content in their service lines and plumbing, DEQ has advised that when the water system is fully back online, the water from your faucets should not be used for human consumption, even after boiling, until coliform testing (bacterial contamination test) has confirmed that the water is safe.  Lead is not removed by boiling the water, and will concentrate as water evaporates during the boiling process.   Please refer to the Lead Education Notice that was enclosed in your most recent bill for more details regarding lead.

Please check the blog for more updates.

Important! Update from DEQ February 11, 2025, 7:45 AM

To All Patrons:

DEQ has advised us to notify Patrons not to drink water from the system, even if boiled, until tests have verified that the water is safe.  Please use bottled water for consumption.  Thank you for your patience as we navigate this system emergency with advice from DEQ.

Transcript of Emergency Phone Call 7:15 AM, February 11, 2025

 

Phone Message February 11, 2025, 7:15 PM

This message is from the Kootenai County Water District No. 1 Board of Directors.

Stop all water use until further notice.

At around 5 AM this morning, the reservoir was out of water and all Patrons should assume that their water service has been interrupted, so that any lines that are still pressurized will stay pressurized.

Water trucks will be arriving around 7:00 AM, and the District will slowly pump water to the reservoir to repressurize lines.  The contractors will also be arriving around that time to resume work on the broken raw water inlet pipe.  The District will notify all Patrons when the repair is complete and the system has recovered sufficiently for resuming normal water use.

Patrons should assume at this time that when the water service is restored, that a BOIL ORDER is in effect until tests confirm that no contamination of the water due to depressurization occurred.  This will take several days after water service is restored.

Updates will be posted to the blog.

Note:  If you see evidence of any suspected leaks in the District, please report them immediately.  Although the Water System Manager is driving through the District to look for leaks, the District is of sufficient size that he will not necessarily know if there is an unusual amount of water surfacing in areas during these winter months.  The District is thankful to the Patrons in the last few days who notified us of the leaks we are now addressing.

Please check the KCWD#1 blog at www.kcwd1.blogspot.com for updates, and let your neighbors know about this water system emergency, as not all Patrons have subscribed to the emergency notification system or blog.

Thank you.

District-wide Water Service Interruption

Stop all water use until further notice.

At around 5 AM this morning, the reservoir was out of water and any Patron on a gravity feed, from the reservoir does, or will shortly, not have water.  There may still be some water in the Vista Booster small reservoir at that booster pump house, but those Patrons should NOT turn their water on at all in order to keep mains pressurized.  Gouse Meadows booster does not have a reservoir, so water will be interrupted through that system, also.

Water trucks will be arriving around 7:00 AM, and the District will slowly pump water to the reservoir to repressurize lines.  The contractors will also be arriving around that time to resume work on the broken raw water inlet pipe.

When water service is restored, Patrons should repressurize slowly by turning one faucet on slowly inside the home to vent air, and then do the same one at a time with other faucets.

Patrons should assume at this time that when the water service is restored, that a BOIL ORDER is in effect until tests confirm that no contamination of the water due to depressurization occurred.  This will take several days after water service is restored.

Directions for BOIL ORDER:

1. Water to be consumed for drinking and cooking should be boiled for one (1) minute before use.  Use bottled water for drinking and cooking if you are concerned.
2. Water for other household use, such as laundry, does not have to be boiled.  Dishwashers can be used as the combination of hot water and detergents are designed to disinfect.

Note:  If you see evidence of any suspected leaks in the District, please report them immediately.  Although the Water System Manager is driving through the District to look for leaks, the District is of sufficient size that he will not necessarily know if there is an unusual amount of water surfacing in areas during these winter months.  The District is thankful to the Patrons in the last few days who notified us of the leaks we are now addressing.

Update on Water Emergency 8:00 PM, February 10, 2025

Transcript of the Emergency Phone Message 8:00 PM:

Phone Message February 10, 2025, 8:00 PM

This message is from the Kootenai County Water District No. 1 Board of Directors.

This is an update on the Water System Emergency.

At this hour, it has become unsafe for the repair work to continue on the raw water intake main on Sunnyside Road.  Crews will be back on site tomorrow around 7:45 AM in order to complete the repairs and get raw water pumping to the sand filters.

The District will be bringing in an additional 7000 gallons of potable water over the next 2 hours to enable us to get through the night.

Please continue to minimize any water use until further notice.  The discovery, and the subsequent valving off, of the leak discovered on Borley Road this evening, is helping to raise the reservoir level, but the level is still quite low. If the reservoir empties, the distribution system could become depressurized to the extent that a boil order would have to be put in place.

Patrons on lower Borley Road and Chelsea will have their service interrupted until that discovered leak can be repaired.  That repair will begin after the raw water intake main repair is completed.

The District will notify all Patrons when the repair is complete and the system has recovered sufficiently for resuming normal water use. 

Please check the KCWD#1 blog at www.kcwd1.blogspot.com for updates, and let your neighbors know about this water system emergency, as not all Patrons have subscribed to the emergency notification system or blog.

Thank you.

NEW LEAK ON BORLEY ROAD

ATTENTION PATRONS ON LOWER BORLEY ROAD.  A LARGE LEAK HAS BEEN DISCOVERED.  PLEASE BE ADVISED THERE WILL BE A DISRUPTION TO WATER SERVICE ON LOWER BORLEY ROAD AND CHELSEA.  WORK WILL BE BEGIN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

UPDATE ON THE MAIN BREAK:  BIG SKY CREW IS STILL WORKING ON THE MAIN REPAIR ON SUNNYSIDE.  THEY WILL BE WORKING THROUGH THE EVENING UNTIL THIS REPAIR IS COMPLETED AND WE ARE ABLE TO TURN THE PUMPS ON AND THE SYSTEM HAS SUFFICIENTLY RECOVERED TO ALLOW MINIMAL USAGE.  PLEASE CONTINUE TO STOP ALL WATER USAGE AND CHECK THE BLOG FOR THE LATEST UPDATES. 

WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED COOPERATION.

Stop All Water Use Immediately! 12:45 PM Monday, February 10. 2025

Transcript of Emergency Phone Message:

Phone Message February 10, 2025, 12:45 PM

This message is from the Kootenai County Water District No. 1 Board of Directors.

The District is still experiencing a water service emergency due to a break in the raw water inlet main pipe going into the sand filter plant.

Please!  It is imperative that all Patrons stop any water use immediately until further notice, as the previous request to reduce use to a minimum has not been sufficiently done to allow the District to maintain water in the reservoir to supply the demand even with continuously bringing in 3000 gallon potable water trucks!  We are now at a dangerously low level of a half foot in the reservoir, and if it drops further, the distribution system could become depressurized to the extent that a boil order would have to be put in place. 

The District will notify all Patrons when the repair is complete and the system has recovered sufficiently for resuming normal water use.  We are anticipating that the repair will be complete by the end of today.

Please check the KCWD#1 blog at www.kcwd1.blogspot.com for updates, and let your neighbors know about this water system emergency, as not all Patrons have subscribed to the emergency notification system or blog.

Thank you.