Hayton plans new water storage tank development as part of growth strategy

In the recent Rathdrum City Council meeting held on April 9, 2025, discussions centered around the city's water infrastructure and development timelines, reflecting the community's growing needs and future planning strategies.

A significant topic was the city's water storage capacity, with officials acknowledging both the existing limitations and the need for improvements. The council discussed the philosophy shift regarding water storage, moving from reliance on underground aquifers to developing dedicated storage solutions. This change is crucial as the city anticipates increased demand from new housing developments. Kevin, a city official, indicated that while the current water production capabilities are a concern, the planned water master plan, managed by JEV Engineers, is expected to take about 12 months to complete. Following this, the construction of a new water storage tank could take an additional three to four years, pushing the timeline for enhanced water infrastructure to approximately five years.

The council also addressed the anticipated development of a new housing project, which is projected to take six to seven years to complete. This timeline is designed to mitigate the impact of adding up to 500 new homes at once, allowing for a gradual integration into the community. Importantly, all new homes will contribute to capital fees that will help fund the necessary water infrastructure improvements.

In addition to water management, the council reviewed a transportation memo related to the development, confirming that many of the identified transportation needs align with the city’s existing master plan. This includes necessary road extensions and improvements to ensure connectivity and safety within the growing community.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city’s proactive approach to managing growth and infrastructure challenges. As Rathdrum prepares for significant development, the council's discussions highlight the importance of strategic planning in addressing both immediate and long-term community needs. The next steps will involve finalizing the water master plan and continuing to monitor the development process to ensure that infrastructure keeps pace with growth.