'Unsafe drinking water conditions' may have impacted local system

A water distribution system that serves homes in Coeur d'Alene may have been contaminated, according to a press release from Gem State Water, though the city water supply remains unaffected.

The release said that Aug. 1 the Troy Hoffman System "experienced a drop in water pressure below the state standard of 20 PSI due to an unplanned well shutdown event. While the release did maintain some pressure, a drop in/loss of water pressure creates conditions that could allow contamination to enter the distribution system through backflow, by backpressure or back-siphonage.

"As our customers, you have a right to know what happened and what we are doing to correct this situation," the release said.

The Oregon-based company serves about 3,750 former customers of Spirit Lake East, Bar Circle “S,” Lynnwood, Bitterroot, Troy Hoffman, Happy Valley and Diamond Bar water customers. 

In the release, it said the Troy Hoffman-System distribution system was being flushed to remove any possible contaminants and samples were being analyzed to verify the absence of bacteria.

Gem State Water said customers could continue to use water for showering, washing clothes and dishes, and cooking.

The problem was expected to be resolved within four days.

Not all customers were satisfied.

"The low pressure event happened sometime before 4:30 am on August 1st," wrote one customer in a post on the city's Facebook page. "We drank potentially Dangerous water for up to 14hrs because Gem State didn’t issue the warning until after 8:00pm that night."

The city of Coeur d'Alene issued a statement on the situation this week.

Ryan Webster, water utility supervisor, said the Troy/Hoffman water system is entirely separate from the city's water department. 

"The city of Coeur d'Alene water supply remains unaffected and safe to use," Webster wrote.

The Troy/Hoffman water system serves a specific area within Coeur d'Alene. The impacted area includes properties south of Hoffman Avenue; between Fourth Street and Troy Avenue; extending south to East Day Road and boundaries between Honeysuckle Avenue (west) and North 15th Street (east).

"The city of Coeur d'Alene Water Department is not involved in this matter and cannot provide assistance regarding the Troy/Hoffman system," Webster wrote.

Messages by phone and email left with Gem State Water on Tuesday seeking comment on whether the problem had been resolved were not returned.