Idaho Public Utilities Commission

Case No. UWI-W-W-11-01, Order No. 32201

March 11, 2011

Contact: Gene Fadness (208) 334-0339, 890-2712

Commission approves agreement between water utilities

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission has approved a United Water Idaho petition to renew and expand an interconnection agreement with the City of Eagle that allows both utilities to supply water to each other during emergency situations.

The agreement allows United Water and the City of Eagle to modify their existing interconnection to enable a two-way flow between the two systems during those times when excess water supply may be needed for fire suppression, a significant pipe break, unexpected pump shutdown or scheduled maintenance of large facilities.

The maximum instantaneous supply that United Water will supply to the City of Eagle is 1,500 gallons per minute and the maximum daily supply is 1.44 million gallons per day. The City of Eagle will be able to provide 825 gallons per minute and up to 1.1 million gallons per day.

The cost to modify the system to allow the two-way flow is $19,995. United Water will pay $14,496 and the City of Eagle, $5,499.

The agreement provides that both companies will use their best efforts to ensure that water furnished is potable and in compliance with all federal and state laws and regulations in effect at the time water supply is delivered to either party.

“The agreement helps maintain United Water’s supply to customers in the event of emergencies, and allows United Water to reasonably provide water to the city, without degrading its own supply or water quality,” the order states.

A full text of the commission’s order, along with other documents related to this case, is available on the commission’s Web site at www.puc.idaho.gov. Click on “File Room” and then on “Water Cases” and scroll down to Case No. UWI-W-11-01.

Interested parties may petition the commission for reconsideration by no later than March 30. Petitions for reconsideration must set forth specifically why the petitioner contends that the order is unreasonable, unlawful or erroneous. Petitions should include a statement of the nature and quantity of evidence the petitioner will offer if reconsideration is granted.

Petitions can be delivered to the commission at 472 W. Washington St. in Boise, mailed to P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID, 83720-0074, or faxed to 208-334-3762.