IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL CITY OF RUPERT WASTEWATER CUSTOMERS

Critical Wastewater System Updates- PLEASE READ.

Dear Rupert Residents and Wastewater Customers,

We want to provide you with an important update regarding the City of Rupert's wastewater (sewer) system and what actions the City is taking to address a critical infrastructure emergency that directly affects all of us.

What Happened?

Over the last several years, the City's wastewater lagoon's clay liner and the wastewater aeration system suffered unexpected catastrophic failures due to their age. These systems, which are both essential to safely treat and manage the City's wastewater, are no longer functioning. As a result, sewer odors have periodically increased throughout parts of the community and the City's wastewater treatment system, without major repairs and upgrades, will not meet legal and environmental standards.

What is the City Doing?

Due to the urgent nature of the situation:

The Idaho District Court has ordered immediate corrective action.
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ) has provided a grant to help with a portion of the project cost.
The City has already awarded a construction contract to fix and fully upgrade the system and contractors are currently working onsite.

The Cost and Impact on Rates

The total cost of this emergency project is $44 million. Unfortunately, due to nationwide inflation and increased construction costs, bids for the project came in approximately 25% higher than expected.

To complete this project:

The City is using IDEQ grant funds to reduce the total cost and the City is pursuing addition grant funding.
The remaining costs will be covered entirely by wastewater revenue bonds or low interest government loans.
There will be no increases in taxes as a result of this project.
However, wastewater rates will increase to repay the bonds or loans.

We want to emphasize:

These rate increases are not related to housing growth or business expansion in the City. They are the direct and unavoidable result of an emergency system failure. Wastewater rate revenues are only used to pay for the costs of operating the sewer system (and nothing else).

Why This Can't Wait

Engineers have warned the City that if major repairs are not made, the City will be forced to shut down all sewer services entirely by the year 2030. This is not an option. The health, safety, and economic wellbeing of our community depend on a reliable wastewater system that meets legal, regulatory requirements.

Staying Informed

We know this is a major issue that impacts everyone. The City of Rupert is committed to transparency throughout this process. For detailed information about the project, the system failure, costs, timeline, and how this affects your monthly wastewater bill, please visit this website for more information and regular updates.

Click this link for the history of the City's efforts to address recent problems at the wastewater facilities - WastewaterTimeline.pdf

Click this link to see a livestream of construction work on the City of Rupert wastewater treatment plant - TrueLook

FAQ

We know you have questions. We are here to answer them!

Question:

I've noticed the City has built a new fire station and a new pool cover. Is that why my sewer bill will be going up?

Answer:

No, money you pay for your sewer service is ONLY spent to operate the wastewater system and is NEVER spent on any other project in the City! The City's new fire station was paid for primarily with grant funding, and the swimming pool cover was paid for with large donations.

Question:

Why was there a system failure and how will this affect my sewer bill?

Answer:

The system has broken due to aging infrastructure and must be repaired. The exact cost is not yet known; however, it is believed that next year residential sewer bills will increase between $25 - $30 per month. This rate increase is NOT a result of housing or business growth in our community; it is the cost to fix Rupert's broken sewer due to system failures.

Question:

How long will these fixes last?

Answer:

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ) anticipates the repairs to last a minimum of 20 years.

Question:

Are these repairs happening because of all the new developments in Rupert?

Answer:

No, the reasons these repairs are required is the direct and unavoidable result of an emergency system failure due to age. Even if there had been no new developments built in the City of Rupert, the same repairs would have been necessary. If these fixes are not made, the City will be forced to shut down all sewer services entirely by the year 2030. In fact, new houses and businesses will spread the cost of the repairs to more customers; this growth actually helps keep the monthly sewer bill lower.

Question:

Will the sewer upgrade change the quality of the sewer water once it is treated?

Answer:

Yes, the new wastewater treatment upgrades will allow treated wastewater to be classified as "Class A" wastewater. This means the City will have more options to reuse the water for things like irrigation and recharge. This process will also be the least cost option for the City of Rupert's resident's.

Question:

How much will my bill go up?

Answer:

It is not yet known precisely how the cost of the repairs at the wastewater treatment plant will affect customers rates. However, it is estimated that resident's might expect a $25- $30 per month rate increase next year to cover the cost of the repair.

Question:

Why didn't the Wastewater Department find this problem at the treatment plant sooner? If it had been detected sooner would the cost have been less?

Answer:

The City's lagoons are inspected every 10 years by the Idaho Department of Environment Quality. There was no indication of any problem until they failed. With regard to the aeration system, regular maintenance was being performed and the computer monitoring system indicated aeration was working properly. It was only later discovered by engineers that the monitoring system had a defect. In other words, the City Wastewater Department did everything it should have. Once the system failure was found, they moved as quickly as possible to fix the problem. Regardless, the cost, remained the same once the issue was discovered.

Question:

What can the Wasterwater Department do in the future to assure that this kind of emergency doesnt happen again?

Answer:

The Wastewater Department follows regular maintenance protocols and schedules as recommended by the manufacturers of our equipment. Eventually, all equipment wears out. The City's wastewater lagoons are over 50 years old. Two have failed inspection; however, one still remains functional. The previous aeration system appeared to be operational and had been regularly maintained when it was discovered that it had to be replaced due to age. Like an automobile, this wastewater equipment has a service life. After so many "miles," it must be replaced. The City tries to get full mechanical life out of the equipment to keep rates low and benefit our ratepayers.

Question:

How are the new rate increases calculated?

Answer:

The proposed rate increases for next year are calculated based on the cost to pay loans needed to repair the wastewater system. These rate increases are not the result of any employee pay raises, electric power cost increases, or general inflation. Next year's propose rate increase are strictly the cost for debt service.

Question:

Why was there an odor problem at the Wastewater Treatment Plant?

Answer:

For a period of time, the Cities aeration system were malfunctioning, but the monitoring system indicated they were working just fine. The aeration system was not putting enough oxygen into the treatment of the waste. That failure caused odor problems. Because of the malfunction, it took engineers a considerable amount of time to figure out what was causing the odors. The City is now installing a new aeration system, which should eliminate the odor problem.

Question:

Regarding sidewalks, by statute, resident owners are responsible for their own sidewalks. On H Street Project, how much do owners contribute to sidewalk upgrades? This saving could increase project to other needed areas.

Answer:

Thank you for your question. Under City ordinances, property owners are responsible for maintaining sidewalks adjacent to their property. However, for larger capital improvements projects such as the H Street project, the City has received a grant for pedestrian safety and safe passage to schools, that include these specific sidewalk upgrades as part of ADA requirements. In this case, the grant is covering the full cost of sidewalk segments within the project scope, so individual property owners are not being assessed for those improvements.

Question:

What is the status of the Water Department upgrade for quality? (Brown & tea colored water.) I was told a new system was in the works.

It seems foolish to use treated water for irrigation, Is there a plan for a separate irrigation water supply? That should help finance a better household water supply. What should we expect for water bill rates?

Answer:

Water Quality & Safety:

The water has been tested and confirmed safe to drink by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). While some residents may notice discoloration- such as brown or tea-colored water- this is caused by naturally occurring minerals in the system, not contamination.

How the System Works:

The City's water is pumped from a well to holding tanks, where it is treated before being distributed to homes and businesses. At this time, The City does not have separate tanks for irrigation and domestic use, primarily due to the significant cost of building and maintaining that type of system. You're right - using treated drinking water for irrigation is not the most efficient long-term solution. The City is actively working on system upgrades to improve water quality and reliability.

Engineering and design work are already underway, and construction will follow as funding is secured.

Water Rate Impacts:

Water rates are reviewed carefully to balance system improvements with affordability. As new infrastructure is developed, some rates adjustments as low and gradual as possible, and any changes will be communicated clearly to the community.

Our Commitment:

Reliable water service is a top priority. These upgrades will improve water quality, support future growth, and create a more sustainable water system for the community.

Question:

What is the timeframe on garbage truck change and method of garbage pick up? Is garbage segregation anticipated? Wil the pick-up schedule change? At times, cans have not been returned to the same place. (Then the wind blows cans into the street or were left in front of the mail box)

Answer:

Garbage Truck & Collection Method:

The City is in the process of upgrading to a new garbage truck and collection system designed to improve efficiency, safety, and consistency. The new automated collection method will allow the truck's mechanical arm to lift and empty the containers, reducing manual handling and improving pickup reliability. Estimated timeline: The change is anticipated by Fall 2026, depending on equipment delivery and final preparations.

Garbage Segregation: At this time, no mandatory garbage segregation is planned. However, the new system will make it easier to introduce recycling or yard waste programs in the future if the community and Council choose to do so.

Container Placement & Return:

We appreciate your concern. Crews will receive additional reminders to return cans to a safe and appropriate spot. We understand the frustration when wind moves cans into the street. Proper placement and consistent return will help reduce these issues. We encourage residents to retrieve containers promptly after pickup when possible.

Question:

My family and I live on Ruby Drive behind Rupert Memorial Hospital. All the fields have been into subdivisions. They are scheduled to put in 400 new houses. My concern is security, with 400 families that will bring more tax money. Our schools need cameras also parks need security and cameras, use our income tax money for better Homeland security.

Answer:

Thank you for sharing your concern - they are valid and shared by many. The City of Rupert is actively involved in managing the growth of our community. While the number of new homes built in Rupert typically averages 30-40 per year, we understand that upcoming developments, including the one you mentioned, bring important questions about safety and infrastructure.

Public safety is a top priority. The City regularly works with Police Department and Parks staff to assess and improve security - including the feasibility of installing more cameras, upgrading lighting, and increasing patrols in public areas. Funding options are part of that ongoing evaluation.

Regarding school security, please note that all schools and their grounds fall under the jurisdiction of the Minidoka School District, which makes decisions independently from the City. However, we remain in communication with them to support overall community safety.

We appreciate engaged residents who want to help protect and improve Rupert. If anyone is interested in getting involved in a lawful and coordinated was, we invite you to reach out to our Police Chief or City Administrator to explore volunteer opportunities.

Question:

Are semi-trucks allowed on the streets for extended times?

Answer:

According to City Code, semi-trucks are not allowed to park on City streets, alleys or easements within residential or commercial zones, even if they are on designated truck routes. This applies to all large trucks, truck-tractors, semitrailers, and heavy equipment. These vehicles must use approved truck routes and designated areas only.

If you're asking about travel through the city - semi-trucks may only use designated truck routes while passing through or making deliveries and must exit the city by the shortest route once finished. Long-term parking or idling on city streets in not permitted.

If you see violations, please report them to the Rupert Police Department's non-emergency line so they can address the issues. The non- emergency number is 208-434-2320

Question:

How long can abandoned cars stay on the road?

Answer:

Abandoned vehicles are not allowed to remain on public streets, alleys, or any other public property within the City of Rupert. All vehicles parked on public property must be licensed and registered through the DMV.

Once a vehicle is reported as abandoned, it is tagged for removal and the owner is contacted. If the situation isn't resolved within 48 hours, the vehicle is towed by the next available towing company. After that, the owner must work directly with the towing company to recover the vehicle.

If you notice a vehicle that appears abandoned, please contact the Rupert Police Department so they can investigate and take appropriate action.

Question:

How many DUI calls for service did the police department have in 2023, 2024 and so far in 2025?

Answer:

Driving Under the Influence Incidents Year

2025 N/A

2024 27

2023 21

2022 12

2021 19

2020 28

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we take the necessary steps to protect Rupert's future and ensure healthy, safe, functioning wastewater services for decades to come.

Please visit the above website for more information.

Sincerely,

Rupert Mayor Tammy Jones

City Council: Joel Heward, Kris Faux, Randy Thompson and James Wardle

City Administrator Kelly Anthon

Wastewater Superintendent David Joyce