Deep Creek Secondary Water Users –

Deep Creek secondary water will not be turned into the city irrigation system until approximately July 1. Because the city users will only have approximately 45 days of secondary water, city officials determined that delaying the use of secondary water for the hottest months of the year would be the most beneficial for residents.

Protecting Our Culinary Water System –

Malad City’s culinary water system is regulated by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. To ensure the safety of our drinking water, the city conducts monthly testing for bacteria and other contaminants.

If testing ever detects bacteria, the public is notified immediately through a Boil Water Advisory. If other contaminants are detected, the city must investigate the source and take corrective action until test results return to acceptable levels.

While the city has experienced occasional test results showing elevated contaminant levels, none of those tests have indicated the presence of bacteria. Follow-up testing has consistently confirmed that the city’s water remains safe. Nevertheless, city officials continue to investigate possible sources of contamination to protect the integrity of the system.

Preventing Cross Connections

One area of concern is the possibility of cross connections between irrigation systems and the city’s culinary water supply.

A cross connection occurs when an improper or faulty plumbing connection allows untreated irrigation water to mix with drinking water. Because irrigation water is not treated, it may contain bacteria or other contaminants that could pose serious health risks. Such connections are prohibited under city plumbing codes.

In some cases, homeowners may unknowingly create a cross connection through their sprinkler systems. While many systems are installed with safeguards to prevent contamination, property owners are encouraged to have their irrigation systems inspected to ensure they are functioning properly.

Most cross-connection issues can be corrected relatively easily by ensuring that irrigation and culinary water systems remain completely separate and by installing approved backflow prevention devices where needed.

What Residents Can Do

Property owners who use irrigation water or culinary water, (or both) for outdoor irrigation should take a few simple precautions:

• Have sprinkler and irrigation systems inspected periodically.
• Ensure irrigation and culinary water lines remain completely separate.
• Install and maintain appropriate backflow prevention devices.
• Use anti-siphon hose bibs or hose-breaker attachments on outdoor faucets to prevent contaminated water from being drawn back into household plumbing.

Working Together to Protect Our Water

This information is not intended to alarm residents. Malad City’s water system is monitored and tested regularly in accordance with DEQ requirements, and the city remains committed to providing safe, high-quality drinking water.

There are, however, steps that each of us can take to help safeguard the community’s water supply. If you have questions about your irrigation system or potential cross connections, please contact a qualified plumbing professional.