Moscow Water Department Water Company

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. Where does Moscow Water Department water come from?
   Moscow Water Department supplies groundwater to Moscow, Idaho.
2. Does Moscow Water Department test its tap water?
   Yes. Like every public water system, Moscow Water Department must test its water under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and publish an annual water quality report (Consumer Confidence Report). Ask the utility for the latest report or look for it on its website.
3. How do I contact Moscow Water Department?
   Call 208-882-3122 or visit 201 N. Main Street, Moscow, ID 83843, or use the contact options on the utility’s website.
4. Does Moscow Water Department water contain lead?
   Water usually leaves the treatment plant without lead. Lead can enter tap water from older service lines, solder and brass fixtures inside homes, especially when water sits in the pipes. Run the tap before drinking if water has been sitting, and ask the utility about lead testing and service line records.
5. Is Moscow Water Department water hard?
   Hardness depends on the source and changes over time. The annual water quality report lists hardness, or you can test it at home. If it is above about 7 grains per gallon, a water softener sized to your measured hardness will stop scale and spotting.