Water Pressures Normal After Lighting Destroys Sensor

The Coeur d'Alene water system experienced low water pressures in portions of the general pressure zone this morning due to equipment failure. The general pressure zone includes areas south of Lunceford-Neider Avenue (but not including Armstrong Park, Stanley Hill, or Fernan Hill).

The problem started when a level sensor at the Tubbs Hill reservoir was struck by lightning and destroyed.  The control system (SCADA) began sending erroneous information indicating that there was plenty of water in the tanks even though the levels were dropping.  Early this morning, the department was alerted and manually turned on all of the wells in the general zone.  Levels immediately began recovering and it is anticipated that the tanks will be full by noon.

There are no indications of any water quality problems, although additional water samples have been taken to verify that the water quality is good.  We have coordinated with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality to ensure that the appropriate response has been taken.

For more information, please contact Jim Markley, Water Superintendent, 415-0418 or Suzanne Scheidt, Idaho DEQ, at 769-1422.