Click an image to enlarge.
Project Sponsor
Santa-Fernwood Water and Sewer District
Purpose
This project will construct a reclaimed water system in the communities of Santa and Fernwood, Idaho, to decrease nutrient loads in Coeur d’Alene Lake via the St. Maries River. The project is jointly managed by the Fernwood Water and Sewer District and Santa Water and Sewer District and involves acquiring land and constructing a water system to provide reclaimed water for agricultural/silvicultural purposes (land-applying treated water instead of discharging it to the river).
Funding
This project received $7.01 million from Governor Little’s Leading Idaho initiative.
Current Status
The design of the water reuse system is complete. Construction began in fall 2025 and is scheduled to finish in fall 2026. Two buildings (a blower building and a lift and pump station building), a generator pad, and a lagoon are being constructed.
- Blower Building – framing for the walls and roof are complete. The underslab piping is installed.
- Pump Station Building – framing has begun and initial wall sections are in progress. The underslab piping is installed.
- Generator Pad – poured and connections are being made.
- Lagoon – earthwork is continuing, with cut and fill operations, grading, and lining underway.
The sprinklers are in place, and electrical work across the project is underway. The piping that will be used for irrigation and aeration has been completed and is going through testing. Construction will continue into fall 2026 before wrapping up in November 2026.
Outcome
This project is expected to reduce phosphorus loads to Coeur d’Alene Lake by approximately 660 pounds annually.