Nampa wastewater project celebrates completion ahead of schedule and under budget

Nampa's City Council workshop on April 23, 2025, highlighted significant advancements in the Water Resources and Utilities department, particularly in wastewater management and staffing strategies aimed at improving efficiency and reducing costs.

A key focus of the meeting was the successful completion of a major expansion project at the wastewater treatment plant, which was finished a year ahead of schedule and within budget. This project not only increased capacity but also allowed the city to save substantial costs by discharging clean groundwater directly into Indian Creek, freeing up 10% of the plant's capacity without the need for expensive upgrades. This innovative approach has garnered recognition, with the project being awarded the Idaho Project of the Year by the Association of Idaho Cities.

The department is also addressing concerns about power outages by exploring new technologies to make public works facilities, including the wastewater plant and police station, completely off the grid. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance sustainability and resilience in city operations.

In terms of staffing, the department is proposing the addition of 11 positions across various divisions, funded by growth in the city. This includes hiring a pipelining construction crew supervisor and an instrumentation technician to manage the new equipment and processes at the plant. The goal is to bring more operations in-house, which is expected to save the city approximately 60% in costs compared to outsourcing these services.

The council also discussed the importance of maintaining a lean workforce while managing turnover, which has cost the department around $650,000 annually. Efforts are underway to improve employee retention and training, ensuring that the city can continue to meet its operational goals without increasing fees for residents.

Overall, the meeting underscored Nampa's commitment to enhancing its water resources management while balancing fiscal responsibility and community needs. As the city continues to grow, these initiatives are expected to play a crucial role in maintaining high-quality water services for residents.