City Council approves $15M budget for groundwater study and wastewater plant upgrades

During the City Council's regular meeting on June 5, 2025, in Middleton, Canyon County, Idaho, significant discussions centered around budget allocations for various infrastructure projects, particularly in wastewater management and groundwater protection.

A key highlight was the allocation of $15,750 for a joint groundwater protection study involving Caldwell, Nampa, Veolia, and Meridian. This initiative aims to secure a declaration from the Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) to recognize the area's aquifer as critical, which would lead to stricter drilling regulations to prevent contamination. The council emphasized the importance of safeguarding the aquifer, particularly in light of potential surface-level threats.

In the realm of wastewater management, the council reviewed a substantial budget of $90 million for wastewater treatment and collection. Notable expenditures included $1.2 million for biosolid removal, a routine operation conducted every three years, and $2 million earmarked for the construction of a new treatment plant. The council noted that the pilot study for the treatment plant is ongoing, with an estimated cost of $40,000. Additionally, the council discussed the need for upgrades to various lift stations, including a $98,000 investment for the Boise River lift station expansion, which is crucial for accommodating future residential developments.

The meeting also touched on the city's capital spending, with a focus on maintaining and upgrading existing infrastructure. The council discussed the importance of using current revenue to fund these projects, anticipating a 25% increase in revenue over the next two years, which would provide additional financial flexibility.

In conclusion, the City Council's discussions underscored a proactive approach to managing Middleton's water resources and wastewater infrastructure. The decisions made during this meeting are expected to have lasting impacts on the community's environmental health and infrastructure resilience, with further developments anticipated as projects progress.