Frequently Asked Questions
IS CLASS A TREATED SEWAGE WATER SAFE?
No. Numerous lawsuits in California from residents show water reuse programs have caused health issues and groundwater damage. Class A does not remove all chemicals and pollutants, it is filtered and treated to reduce bacteria. It still contains:
PFAS “forever chemicals”
Pharmaceuticals
Hormones
Detergents and cleaning compounds
Pesticides, and more.
WILL THIS POLLUTE OUR GROUNDWATER?
In the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality application, Eagle Sewer admits this sewage water will increase nitrogen and phosphorus in our groundwater.
Eventually the contaminants left in this wastewater will recharge our drinking water aquifers. Not only will personal wells be affected, but city water also pulls from groundwater aquifers.
IS THE WASTEWATER CLEANER THAN IRRIGATION WATER?
No. Currently, the irrigation water delivered in the Farmer’s Union canal diverts straight from the Boise River, upstream from Boise’s Lander’s Street Wastewater Plant in Garden City. Here’s a graph showing testing done from the Boise River right after the Lander’s discharge, and then the Farmer’s Union canal at Hwy 55.
WHAT AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE WASTE WATER DUMPING CONTRACT BETWEEN FARMERS UNION AND EAGLE SEWER DISTRICT?
All areas West of Highway 55 getting water delivered by the Farmer’s Union Ditch will get this wastewater. This includes: Capital View Irrigation District, Lexington Hills Irrigation District, parts of Boise Valley Irrigation District, and Farmer’s Union Ditch shareholders.
WILL SCHOOLS AND PARKS BE IMPACTED BY THIS WASTEWATER?
The City of Eagle and West Ada School District are Farmer’s Union shareholders. This wastewater will be used to water elementary and middle schools in Eagle and Star. Some City of Eagle parks will also get this water. See the Affected Areas Map.
WHERE WILL WASTEWATER BE DISCHARGED INTO THE CANAL?
The proposed discharge point is near Highway 55. Click here to view a map.