Nampa Water Renewal Facility Completes $165 Million Infrastructure Project

Introduction

The Nampa Water Renewal Facility in Idaho has successfully completed a $165 million infrastructure project aimed at transforming wastewater into high-quality irrigation water for the Treasure Valley. This initiative aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

Project Overview and Impact

1. Water Quality Improvement

   The facility now pumps 11 million gallons of clean irrigation water daily into the Phyllis Canal, complying with updated federal water quality guidelines. This advancement supports SDG 6 by ensuring availability and sustainable management of water resources.

2. Environmental and Community Benefits

   Jeff Barnes, Director of Water Resources for Nampa, emphasized the transformation process: “This is wastewater. It goes through our process. And this is the end product, crystal clear water that we’re using for irrigation. It’s the best irrigation. It’s the cleanest irrigation, safest irrigation in the region.” This highlights the project’s contribution to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, by providing safe water for agricultural use.

3. Response to Federal Requirements

   Initiated 15 years ago, the project responded to federal mandates requiring reductions in phosphorus levels and water temperature. Meeting these requirements was a significant challenge for the community, reflecting SDG 13: Climate Action and SDG 15: Life on Land by protecting aquatic ecosystems.

Water Treatment Process

• Initial Treatment

  Wastewater undergoes filtration in pits to meet Class B standards, making it suitable for use on orchards, golf courses, and crops.

• Advanced Treatment

  To achieve Class A quality, appropriate for homeowners and city parks, the water is further treated through sand filtration—similar to a refrigerator water dispenser—and exposed to UV light to eliminate remaining bacteria and viruses. This process ensures water safety and supports SDG 6 and SDG 3.

• Distribution

  The treated, crystal-clear water travels half a mile to join the Phyllis Canal, providing a sustainable and reliable water source for the region.

Future Outlook

The facility is designed to meet Nampa’s water recycling needs through 2040, contributing to long-term sustainable water management and supporting SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article focuses on wastewater treatment and recycling, directly relating to ensuring availability and sustainable management of water.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The $165 million infrastructure project to upgrade the water renewal facility reflects investment in resilient infrastructure and innovation in water treatment technology.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The reuse of wastewater as irrigation water promotes sustainable consumption of water resources.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • By reducing pollutants such as phosphorus and temperature in water discharged into canals and rivers, the project supports the protection of terrestrial ecosystems and water bodies.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 6 Targets
   • 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.
   • 6.4: Increase water-use efficiency across all sectors to ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater.
2. SDG 9 Targets
   • 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies.
3. SDG 12 Targets
   • 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
4. SDG 15 Targets
   • 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Water Quality Indicators
   • Phosphorus levels in treated water (mentioned as a requirement to lower phosphorus).
   • Water temperature (mentioned as a requirement to lower temperature).
   • Water quality classification standards (Class A and Class B standards for irrigation suitability).
   • Volume of recycled water produced daily (11 million gallons per day).
2. Infrastructure and Capacity Indicators
   • Investment amount in infrastructure ($165 million).
   • Facility capacity planned through 2040 (implied long-term sustainability and scalability).
3. Health and Safety Indicators
   • Use of UV light to eliminate bacteria and viruses (implying microbial safety indicators).

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: kivitv.com