The next Livability Ambassador excursion was a longer drive, as the ambassadors made their way to Parma, ID. Josh Baker, engineer with the City of Boise provided an overview of water quality, the role the city plays in treatment and how Dixie Drain and phosphorus removal are an integral part of keeping the Boise River healthy.
The Dixie Drain Phosphorus Removal Facility is a precedent-setting and innovative project that is greatly enhancing water quality of the Boise and Snake Rivers by removing up to 140 pounds of phosphorus per day from water flowing downstream.
The new phosphorus removal facility was built at Dixie Drain (near the confluence of the Boise and Snake rivers) with goals including:
For the same cost as upgrading facilities at the existing treatment plants, the Dixie Drain project removes much more phosphorus from the Boise and Snake Rivers. Essentially, for every pound that is not removed at a treatment facility in Boise, a pound and a half is removed downstream at Dixie Drain.
Dixie Drain captures ground and surface water flows coming from agriculture operations. These discharges are unregulated and are estimated to contribute up to 40% of the total phosphorus flowing from the Boise and Snake rivers. If it were not for the Dixie Drain project, this significant phosphorus discharge would otherwise remain untouched.
Approximately 80% of the water treated at Boise’s treatment plants is diverted downstream for irrigation. With the Dixie Drain project, the phosphorus is removed at a location where there are no further diversions for irrigation and additional loading of phosphorus.
In addition to phosphorus being removed from the rivers, sediment levels are also greatly reduced, improving not only river aesthetics, but improving habitat for fish and aquatic life.
Lasting environments and vibrant communities will take continued collaboration and innovation. Eight years in the making, Dixie Drain serves as an important milestone and example of what dedication, hard work and partnership can accomplish.
Josh Baker giving the Ambassadors an overview of The Dixie Drain
Ambassadors ask Josh Baker questions
Josh Baker giving the Ambassadors a tour of the facility at the Dixie Drain
Ambassadors at the Dixie Drain
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