RATHDRUM, Idaho – The City of Rathdrum has issued an emergency notice asking residents to limit water use after a sewer line was damaged by a private contractor.
The incident happened when TDS Telecom accidentally struck the city’s main sewer force main in Post Falls during directional boring work, the city announced.
The city has temporarily shut down all sewer lift stations to protect public health and the environment. This means no wastewater is currently flowing from Rathdrum to the treatment plant in Post Falls.
Residents and businesses are urged to minimize water use by avoiding flushing toilets, taking showers and using laundry machines or dishwashers until further notice.
Vacuum trucks are on site around the clock to prevent lift stations from overflowing.
Public Works crews, with help from the City of Post Falls, are working to repair the damaged line. Emergency repairs are expected to be completed by late tonight or tomorrow morning, November 18.
“We understand this is a major inconvenience and appreciate everyone’s cooperation in reducing water use while repairs are underway,” the city said.
The responsible contractor has been notified and will be held accountable for all repair costs, the city added.
