Moscow Water Department

The Moscow Water Department is dedicated to meeting the ongoing challenge of providing high-quality municipal water to our community. This report covers all testing conducted from January 1 through December 31, 2017.

Throughout the years, we've committed to delivering water that meets all state and federal standards. We continuously implement innovative approaches to ensure the best quality water for our residents. As new water safety challenges emerge, we remain vigilant in addressing source water protection, conservation initiatives, and community education.

Lead Information Statement
The City of Moscow fully complies with lead testing regulations and has not had any samples fail for elevated lead content. In 2017, we collected samples from homes built during periods when lead materials were common, and all samples tested below federal limits. Based on routine monitoring data, we have no reason to believe elevated lead levels exist in our water system.

However, if present, high lead levels can cause serious health concerns, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in water typically comes from service line materials and household plumbing. While we provide quality water, we cannot control the materials used in plumbing components. If your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize potential lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for consumption.

Water Source Information
Moscow draws water from five wells connected to two underground aquifers: the shallow Wanapum and the deeper Grand Ronde. Wells #2 and #3 draw from the Wanapum, while Wells #6, #8, and #9 access the Grande Ronde. To protect our water supply, we implement management practices focused on wellhead protection and surface seals in zones near the wells.

Water Conservation Program
Moscow has provided safe water to residents and businesses since the 1890s through a complex system of wells, pumps, reservoirs, and infrastructure maintained by highly trained water professionals. Our conservation program dates back to the 1970s when we began supplying recycled water for University of Idaho landscapes.

As a pumping agency for the Palouse Ground Water Basin, Moscow adopted voluntary conservation goals established by the Palouse Basin Aquifer Committee in 1992. We work actively with other communities sharing our water supply through participation in the Palouse Basin Water Summit. Our conservation efforts expanded in 2004 with the Water Waste Resolution, Irrigation Ordinance, and a tiered rate structure adopted in 2007.

Our Water Conservation Program offers resources for homes, businesses, and schools, including water-saving devices, educational outreach, demonstration gardens, and rebate programs. For more information about water conservation, please contact Nichole Baker, Environmental Services Manager, at 208-883-7114.

Cross Connection Control Program
While we rigorously test our water supply, the fixtures, faucets, and systems in homes and businesses connected to our distribution system can potentially introduce harmful substances into the water. Our Cross Connection Control Program prevents contaminants from entering the water supply through backflow incidents. This program is required by Idaho Standards for Public Water Systems and Moscow City Code.

1. How can I update the mailing address on my bill? For property or personal tax bills, please contact the Assessor's office at (978) 620-3190. For water/sewer bills, reach out to the Water & Sewer Department at (978) 620-3110. For excise tax bills, you'll need to update your information with the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
2. How is my tax bill calculated? Your tax assessment is based on your property value. The current tax rate is expressed in dollars per $1,000 of assessed value. For example, with an assessed value of $200,000 and a tax rate of $14.32, your annual tax would be $2,864 (200,000 multiplied by .01432).
3. How can I check real estate taxes and outstanding balances? Current fiscal year tax information is available on the City's website. Visit www.cityoflawrence.com and use the "Tax Bills Online Lookup" feature. For past-due balances or tax title bills, contact the Collector's office at (978) 620-3170.
4. When are real estate and personal property taxes due? These tax payments are issued quarterly on the first business day of July, October, January, and April, with due dates on the first business day of August, November, February, and May, respectively.
5. When are excise tax bills issued? If your vehicle was registered in the previous year, bills typically arrive in late February and are due 30 days later. For vehicles registered during the current year, expect an excise tax bill 2-3 months after registration. For more details, call the Deputy Collector at (978) 620-3175 with your plate or license number.
6. Must I pay an excise tax bill for a vehicle I no longer own? If you've received a bill for a vehicle you don't own, file for an abatement with the Assessor's office. If the abatement doesn't eliminate the bill entirely, the remaining balance must be paid by the due date to avoid additional fees and interest.