City makes progress on water reuse irrigation system

Two years ago, the City of Nezperce started on a project to improve the wastewater system. Previously, the system was in violation of the Environmental Protection Agency’s discharge permit.

The system now cleans wastewater through a series of treatment lagoons. Once the water has been properly treated, it is pumped on to a designated field. The City plans to plant alfalfa seed, using the system’s sprinklers to water the crop. The City will then harvest and sell the crop.

The funds will be used to help maintain the treatment plant.

The City received an $11.8 million grant package under the American Rescue Plan Act. Other funds - grants, loans, etc. - were lined up, but the project actually came in under budget. Crea Construction was contracted for both phases of the project.

The project should be substantially complete in October.