We all have a role in safeguarding North Idaho’s water

By Jennifer Ekstrom
Reader Contributor

I’m once again marveling about how fortunate we are to live among the breathtaking lakes and rivers of North Idaho. These waterways provide so much: swimming and boating opportunities, drinking water, fish and wildlife habitat, irrigation water and gorgeous scenery. They add so much value to our quality of life that others are understandably attracted to them as well. With a swelling population, we all must do our part to ensure these waterways remain unspoiled. 

The population in North Idaho has increased significantly in recent years. The 2020 Census recorded 47,110 residents in Bonner County, with the estimate for 2024 being 53,955. Nearly 7,000 additional people are calling this special place home over just four years. Boundary County has seen a similar growth percentage, with about 2,000 new residents in that same time span.

While more people can mean economic vitality, new friends and creative stimulation for our communities, population increases can also add to the stress on our waterways by taxing already outdated wastewater treatment systems, increasing pollution in stormwater runoff and more. Aging sewage treatment plants, overburdened private septic systems and runoff from lawns contribute nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus into our lakes, which fuel toxic algae outbreaks and feed invasive aquatic weeds. Improving our wastewater treatment systems is of paramount importance.

Recognizing the need to avoid ongoing Clean Water Act violations, the city of Sandpoint has placed a $130 million bond measure on the Nov. 4 ballot. If approved, the bond will fund long-overdue upgrades to the city’s wastewater treatment plant. 

While the price tag may seem high, investing now will ultimately save residents money by getting ahead of rising costs, avoiding fines and preventing potentially costly legal action. Importantly, approval does not require the city to use the full amount, and officials have pledged to pursue every opportunity for cost savings. 

Earlier this year, Sandpoint secured $38 million in state funding, but that money is contingent on the community raising the remaining funds. Without voter approval, the city risks losing that funding and will still be required to make the upgrades. Passing the bond will ensure Sandpoint builds the effective treatment system needed to protect the Pend Oreille River, safeguard downstream users and preserve water quality for decades to come.

The Kootenai Ponderay Sewer District passed a similar measure last year, and are well on their way toward purchasing and installing their new treatment plant. This is expected to greatly improve the water quality in Boyer Slough, which has been inundated with excessive pollution for years.

While infrastructure improvements are essential, everyday actions also matter. Here are practical actions that everyone can take:

Protect shoreline vegetation: Bonner County requires a minimum 40-foot building setback, with native vegetation recommended to slow runoff and trap nutrients.

Limit fertilizer use: Phosphorus-containing fertilizers are especially harmful, as they fuel toxic algae and invasive weed growth.

Prevent pollutants from entering storm drains: Keep leaves, debris, oils and chemicals away from storm drains, which empty directly into our lake and river. 

Manage septic systems properly: Inspections are recommended every three to five years.

Observe No Wake Zones: Waves from boats can stir up sediment, releasing trapped pollution into the water.

Divert stormwater where possible: Allow rain to soak into the ground rather than running into the lake.

People should also be aware that the Idaho State Department of Agriculture applied the chemical herbicide Florpyrauxifen-benzyl (Procellacor) to Lake Pend Oreille from Aug. 24-Aug. 27, in order to kill invasive weeds. Applications focused on Garfield Bay, Bottle Bay, Ellisport Bay and the Long Bridge. While official drinking water and swimming restrictions are not required by law, many people prefer to avoid these areas to minimize exposure to chemicals. You can see the areas targeted for chemical application mapped at: invasivespecies.idaho.gov/treatment-plans. Excess pollution feeds these weeds, so minimizing pollution can help keep weed infestations down in the future. 

Healthy lakes are not guaranteed — they require investment, care and vigilance, especially as our community grows. This November, Sandpoint voters have a chance to make a meaningful difference by supporting the bond measure for wastewater treatment upgrades. By voting “yes,” and maintaining responsible land and shoreline practices, we can keep Lake Pend Oreille swimmable, fishable, and drinkable now and for the future.  

Jennifer Ekstrom is North Idaho director of the Idaho Conservation League.