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 only filtered and treated to reduce bacteria. It still contains:
PFAS “forever chemicals”
Pharmaceuticals (birth control hormones, antidepressants, antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs)
Nonlyphenols - found in high levels in Boise's treated effluent and known to feminize fish (documented in dozens of scientific studies) and act as endocrine disrupters in mammals.
Heavy metals
Microplastics
Industrial chemicals
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.
IS CLASS A TREATED SEWAGE WATER CLEANER THAN NORMAL IRRIGATION WATER?
No, Eagle Sewer's own Idaho Department of Environmental Quality application shows that the sewage water has more chemicals than the current Farmers Union Irrigation water.
WHAT AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE WASTE WATER DUMPING CONTRACT BETWEEN FARMERS UNION AND EAGLE SEWER DISTRICT?
The water of Farmer’s Union Irrigation, and certain parts of Capital View Irrigation, Boise Valley Irrigation, Lexington Hills Irrigation, which receive their water from Farmer’s Union, will be polluted with wastewater. Click here to view a map that shows the affected area..
IF FARMERS UNION IRRIGATION WAS THE ONLY LOCAL IRRIGATION COMPANY TO SIGN THIS AGREEMENT, WHY IS THE IRRIGATION WATER FROM OTHER IRRIGATION COMPANIES GOING TO BE AFFECTED?
Because multiple irrigation companies share the same irrigation canal. In this case, parts of Capital View Irrigation, Boise Valley Irrigation, Lexington Hills Irrigation receive their water deliveries through the Farmers Union canal.
WHERE WILL WASTEWATER BE DISCHARGED INTO THE CANAL?
The proposed discharge point is near Highway 55. Click here to view a map.