Hicksville WD

The Hicksville Water District draws water from 16 wells strategically positioned throughout the community. These wells tap into the Magothy aquifer beneath Long Island, as illustrated in surrounding diagrams. While the aquifer generally provides excellent water quality, there are isolated areas of contamination that require monitoring.

Water sources in our region (both tap and bottled) originate from various natural bodies like rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels across land or through ground layers, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and sometimes radioactive materials, and may pick up substances from animal presence or human activities.

Potential contaminants in source water include:

• Microbial pollutants
• Inorganic compounds
• Nitrogen-based herbicides
• Organic chemical substances
• Radioactive elements

To ensure safe drinking water, both state regulations and EPA guidelines limit contaminant levels in public water systems. Similarly, the State Health Department and FDA establish comparable limits for bottled water to provide equal public health protection.

The Hicksville Water District implements various treatment processes to enhance water quality before distribution. These include:

• pH adjustment using sodium hydroxide to reduce corrosion in water mains and household plumbing
• VOC removal through air stripping treatment at Plants 1, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9
• Disinfection using calcium hypochlorite (chlorine) to prevent bacterial growth
• Nitrate removal systems at Plants 1, 6 and 8
• Granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration at Plant 11

Following state regulations, the District regularly monitors your water for over 135 separate parameters across all wells multiple times annually. Testing includes coliform bacteria, turbidity, inorganic contaminants, lead, copper, nitrates, volatile organic compounds, trihalomethanes, and synthetic organic pollutants. The table on page 5 shows which parameters were detected in distribution samples. Many of these naturally occur in Long Island water and pose no adverse health effects.

1. How can I rent a dumpster? To promote community beautification, the Sanitation Department offers free 3-yard or 17-yard dumpsters for residential customers needing to dispose of unwanted items beyond regular trash service capacity. Available on a first-come basis for 48-hour periods or weekends, with a limit of one free use annually per address. Additional dumpsters are available for rental. Contact Sanitation at 208-234-6192 for Dumpster Services.
2. Where can I purchase a Pocatello Flag? The Chamber of Commerce sells full-sized flags for $50 at 324 S. Main Street (208-233-1525).
3. Who do I contact about neighbor's trees near property lines? We encourage neighbors to communicate directly about issues on private property where the City lacks jurisdiction. For trees obstructing sidewalks, growing into streets, or blocking traffic signs, contact City Hall (208-234-6163) or submit a request through the Pocatello Connect mobile app.
4. Does the City offer recycling drop-off locations? Pocatello provides curbside recycling for certain papers, plastics, and metals to utility customers. Glass recycling containers are located throughout the city. For program questions, call Sanitation at 208-234-6192. General recycling items (excluding TVs) are accepted at Western Recycling (3034 Garret Way, 208-234-2092) and Pacific Recycling (3575 US Hwy 30, 208-233-7720).
5. Where do I pay parking/traffic tickets? Parking ticket payments can be deposited in blue boxes in front of City Hall or at the Police Department (911 North 7th Avenue). Moving violations are paid at the Bannock County Court House (624 East Center Street).
6. How can I pay my utility bill? Options include: online bill pay system, phone payment (208-234-6241), in-person at Utility Billing in City Hall, payment drop boxes in front of City Hall, or mail through USPS.
7. How do I get a business license in Pocatello? While no general business license is required, certain businesses need specific licenses: alcohol sales, auctioneers, boarding homes, concessions, Christmas tree lots, crossing guards, day care centers, door-to-door sales, private investigators, security guards, taxi services, and sexually oriented businesses. Contact Police Licensing Enforcement at 208-234-6285. For signage information, call Planning and Development at 208-234-6184. Building remodeling questions: Building Department at 208-234-6158.
8. What utilities are provided in Pocatello? The City operates water, sanitation, and wastewater utilities (Utility Billing: 208-234-6241). Electric service: Idaho Power (208-236-7714). Natural gas: Intermountain Gas (208-637-6400).
9. How do I reserve a park for an event? Contact Parks & Recreation at 208-234-6232 or visit register.Pocatello.us/facilities.
10. What can I do about neglected properties? Code Enforcement handles property maintenance issues by complaint only. Report concerns to the Code Enforcement Hotline (208-234-6287) or visit their webpage. Anonymous reports are accepted.
11. Do I need a license to open a restaurant? While Pocatello doesn't require a general business license, alcohol sales licenses are needed if applicable. Food service establishments are regulated by the Southeastern Idaho Public Health Department (Food Program).