Rathdrum, Idaho Development News

Water System Master Plan Update Highlights Growth Challenges and Infrastructure Needs

JUB Engineers presented an update on the city's water system master plan. The plan aims to create a system-wide decision-making tool for existing conditions, growth, and capital planning, with the goal of assisting with reliable service for the next 20 years. Key completed tasks include mapping the system in GIS, collecting five years of operational data, and developing a near-calibrated hydraulic computer model. Next steps involve system analysis for existing and future conditions, leading to a capital improvement plan and roadmap for future projects. Preliminary findings indicate population growth from 9,000 to 13,000 residences since 2020, leading to increased summer demand that pushes well supply and tank storage to their limits. Recommendations include additional supply and storage infrastructure, such as new wells (potentially 3,000 gallons per minute) and 1 to 2 million-gallon tanks, as well as distribution system improvements to link new infrastructure. The plan is on track to provide near-term answers by the end of September to inform next year's budgets, with long-term future scenarios to be finalized by year-end. The project has resulted in a functional GIS system and a hydraulic model nearing calibration.