COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – Residents of Coeur d’Alene might see an increase in their water rates starting as early as Aug 1 as the city council considers a proposal to address infrastructure demands.
The city’s water department director shared documents with the city council pointing out the inefficiency of the city’s irrigation systems, which account for 75% of summer water consumption. According to that report, the systems are only 30-40% effective, causing excess wastewater. The director said that the current water rates are “insufficient for long-term replacement,” and major updates are needed.
The proposal includes a capitalization fee as a solution. Over three years, residents would pay more for their water based on their meter size. For instance, a family with a three-fourths inch meter, currently paying approximately $3,400, will see their bill rise to nearly $5,000 next year and an estimated $9,900 by the end of 2028.
As part of the infrastructure development, the city plans to take out a $4 to $5 million loan to build a $6.7 million drinking water tank. City officials described this move as “likely unavoidable.”
