Idaho faces $1 billion water infrastructure challenge as federal cuts loom
A new University of Idaho study has found that the state’s water and wastewater systems need more than $1 billion in upgrades this year, with many small towns struggling to replace pipes, wells, and aging treatment facilities. In McCammon, for example, decades-old water lines are being replaced at a cost of $3 million, forcing temporary shutoffs and boil orders for residents, the Idaho Capital Sun reported.
The report highlights that more than half of Idaho’s wastewater treatment plants violated the Clean Water Act in 2023, often due to failing equipment and limited capacity. The state’s infrastructure earned a C+ grade from the American Society of Civil Engineers, citing mounting challenges from aging systems, population growth, and climate pressures.
According to the Idaho Capital Sun, funding remains the largest hurdle. Many projects rely on federal low-interest loans and grants, but President Trump’s proposed budget would sharply cut the EPA’s Clean Water and Drinking Water revolving funds, a key source for Idaho towns. Local leaders warn that without predictable state or federal support, small communities will face unsustainable costs.
State investments in water infrastructure have increased in recent years, aided by federal relief funds, but with revenues tightening, the outlook for continued funding is uncertain.
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