Water line break in Moyie, water conservation issued

MOYIE SPRINGS — A water line break Sunday has prompted Moyie Springs officials to issue a water conservation notice. 

Although there was no disruption in service, Moyie Springs officials are asking residents to and business conserve water, City Clerk Donna Wilson-Funkhouser said.

“This is a mandatory request and we need your support to help recover from this devastating and debilitating incident,” the emergency notification said.   

Due to the incident Moyie Springs is now paying to be on the Three Mile Water system, rather than city water. The city will be reconstructing and repairing the waterline as fast as allowable. Residents and business will be notified as soon as the waterline is restored.

Engineers are on site, but construction repairs cannot be done until the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality approves proposed repairs, Wilson-Funkhouser said. Emergency notices are in the process of being sent out to city residents. 

Wilson-Funkhouser said since the damage was not caused by a disaster, the city will not be eligible for funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency but might be eligible for Idaho Department of Water Quality funding.

City officials said it is believed the water line broke at 7 a.m. on Sunday. However, it is unknown whether the line broke by itself and caused a mudslide or if the mudslide was first, damaging the line.

However, city Public Works Superintendent John Nelson arrived on the scene about an hour later and, after examining the scene, said he believes that the line broke first.

Conservation Tips for residents from the United States Environmental Protection Agency

For Every Room in the House With Plumbing

_Repair leaky faucets, indoors and out.

_Consider replacing old equipment (like toilets, dishwashers and laundry machines).

In the Kitchen

_When cooking, peel and clean vegetables in a large bowl of water instead of under running water.

_Fill your sink or basin when washing and rinsing dishes.

_Only run the dishwasher when it's full.

_When buying a dishwasher, select one with a "light-wash" option.

_Only use the garbage disposal when necessary (composting is a great alternative).

_Install faucet aerators.

In the Bathroom

_Take short showers instead of baths.

_Turn off the water to brush teeth, shave and soap up in the shower. Fill the sink to shave.

_Repair leaky toilets. Add 12 drops of food coloring into the tank, and if color appears in the bowl one hour later, your toilet is leaking.

_Install a toilet dam, faucet aerators and low-flow showerheads.

Laundry

_Run full loads of laundry.

_When purchasing a new washing machine, buy a water saving model that can be adjusted to the load size.

NO Outdoor Watering of Lawns 

_Maximize the use of natural vegetation and establish smaller lawns. For portions of your lot where a lawn and landscaping are desired, ask your local nursery for tips about plants and grasses with low water demand (such as creeping fescue). Consider planting more trees, shrubs, ground covers, and less grass. Shrubs and groundcovers provide greenery for much of the year and usually demand less water. Use native plants in flower beds. Native plants have adapted to rainfall conditions in New England and often provide good wildlife habitat. Cluster plants that require extra care together to minimize time and save water.

_When mowing your lawn, set the mower blades to 2-3 inches high. Longer grass shades the soil improving moisture retention, has more leaf surface to take in sunlight, allowing it to grow thicker and develop a deeper root system. This helps grass survive drought, tolerate insect damage and fend off disease.

_Apply mulch around shrubs and flower beds to reduce evaporation, promote plant growth and control weeds.

_Add compost or an organic matter to soil as necessary, to improve soil conditions and water retention.

_Collect rainfall for irrigation in a screened container (to prevent mosquito larvae growth).

_When washing a car, wet it quickly, then use a bucket of water to wash the car. Turn on the hose to final rinse (or let mother nature wash your car when it rains).

_Always use a broom to clean walkways, driveways, decks and porches, rather than hosing off these areas.