City to use creek plant during milfoil regiment

SANDPOINT — The city’s water department will supply drinking water to its service area from the Sand Creek Water Treatment Plant until test results show that the Lake Pend Oreille source is safe for human consumption. 

Independent laboratory tests will be used to indicate when the herbicide used for controlling Eurasian milfoil cannot be detected, according to Public Works Director Kody Van Dyk.  Only then will city consider using the lake source.

The city wants to err on the side of caution and deliver high quality drinking water it its customers, Van Dyk said.

The Sand Creek Water Treatment Plant is capable of supplying 3.5 million gallons of water per day when sufficient water exists in the stream.  Should demand be greater than 3.5 million gallons per day, the City may call for restrictions on outdoor use of water. 

The city does not consider it likely that water restrictions will be called for.

For those considering swimming or other activities at city of Sandpoint Parks:

? City Beach and other waterfront access points will remain open without restrictions on swimming or other water activity.

? Irrigation from the lake will not occur until herbicide levels are not detected by independent tests

? Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has reviewed independent studies and agrees that skin contact with treated water at the dilute treatment concentration is unlikely to result in any adverse health effect in people

For more information on Eurasian milfoil herbicide treatments contact Bonner County at 255-5681 or visit www.pendoreillemilfoil.com for project information.