Post Falls reports wastewater release

POST FALLS - The city of Post Falls on Monday reported an accidental release of reclaimed water that was discovered on Thursday at the city's water reclamation facility on Seltice Way.

Public Services Director Terry Werner said the release of 45,000 gallons was discovered when employees reported for work.

It was the second release of treated wastewater at the plant this month.

"Basically just a fluke," Werner said. "The second break was in a new system that had just been installed and a fitting broke."

Employees immediately shut the water off. The release was caused by a broken irrigation pipe.

The released water was fully treated and disinfected. There is no immediate effect to any drinking water supplies and the incident poses no health risk to the public.

Reclaimed water is used to clean equipment and irrigate green space at the facility.

The city reported the release to the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality. The city will continue to work with DEQ as needed if any remediation is necessary.