Title Page 

City of Boise Recycled Water Program 

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT | WATER RENEWAL SERVICES 

150 N Capitol Blvd., Boise, ID 83702 

(208) 468-5430 

PROJECT MANAGER 

Royce Davis 

Recycled Water Program Manager 

150 N Capitol Blvd., Boise, ID 83702 

rdavis@cityofboise.org 

(208) 608-7572 

WaterSMART GRANT APPLICATION CONTACT 

Shelby Smith, PE, PMP 

Recycled Water Program Management 

(206) 749-2266 
 

Table of Contents 

Section 1 Mandatory Federal Forms.......................................................................................................... 1 

Section 2 Technical Proposal and Evaluation Criteria ................................................................................. 2 

Executive Summary .................................................................................................................................................. 2 

Project Location ......................................................................................................................................................... 2 

Technical project description ............................................................................................................................... 3 

Applicant Category and Eligibility .......................................................................................................3 

Goals and Objectives for Proposed Activities ..................................................................................4 

Approach ...................................................................................................................................................4 

Responses to Evaluation Criteria ........................................................................................................................ 5 

Evaluation Criterion 1 – Project Planning and Analysis..................................................................5 

Evaluation Criterion 2 – Stretching water supplies (20 points)..................................................13 

Evaluation Criterion 3 – Environment and water quality (20 points) ....................................... 17 

Evaluation Criterion 4 – Department of the Interior Priorities (15 points) .............................. 18 

Evaluation Criterion 5 – Watershed perspective (15 points).......................................................20 

Project Budget (required) ....................................................................................................................................22 

Funding Plan and Letters of Funding Commitment (if applicable) ......................................... 22 

Budget proposal ................................................................................................................................... 22 

Budget narrative ................................................................................................................................... 23 

Section 3 Required Permits or Approvals .......................................................................................................25 

Section 4 Official Resolution .................................................................................................................................26 

Section 5 Letters of Support for the Project and Letters of Participation.........................................27 

Section 6 Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement...............................................................................28 

Section 7 Uniform Audit Reporting Statement.............................................................................................29 

Section 8 Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement....................................................................................30 

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List of Figures 

Fig 1. Project Site Map...................................................................................................................................3 

Fig 2. Snowpack % Change 1955-2015.....................................................................................................6 

Fig 3. City’s Selected Water Management Approach and Project Features .................................11 

Fig 4. Project Schedule ...............................................................................................................................13 

Fig 5. Households by Household Income..............................................................................................19 

Fig 6. LBRW & SE Boise Groundwater Management Area ...............................................................21 

List of Tables 

Table 1. Proposed Eligible Project..............................................................................................................3 

Table 2. Planning Drivers, Criteria, and Key Takeaways.......................................................................8 

Table 3. Summary of Alternatives Evaluated to Address Planning Drivers...................................10 

Table 4. RWP Features and Costs for the 2022–2029 Capital Planning Period..........................12 

Table 5. Overview of Specific Concerns.................................................................................................15 

Table 6. TVR Surface Water Uses and Concerns.................................................................................17 

Table 7. Summary of Non-Federal and Federal Funding Sources................................................. 22 

Table 8. Total Project Cost........................................................................................................................ 22 

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SECTION 1 

Mandatory Federal Forms 

• SF-424: Application for Federal Assistance 

• SF-424A: Budget Information - Non-Construction Programs 

• SF-424B: Assurances for Non-Construction Activities 

• SF-LLL: Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if applicable) 

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SECTION 2 

Technical Proposal and 

Evaluation Criteria 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

February 27, 2023 

City of Boise, Ada County, Idaho 

Summarize project in 1 paragraph. Specify the 

work proposed, including how funds will be used 

to accomplish specific activities, and briefly identify 

how the proposed activities contribute to 

accomplishing the goals and objectives of this 

NOFO. 

The City of Boise’s (city’s) Recycled Water 

Program (RWP) will preserve local water by 

protecting the Boise River, bolstering the local 

groundwater supply, and creating resiliency 

against climate change impacts. To implement the 

RWP, the city will engage in planning and 

feasibility studies and environmental compliance 

activities to inform site selection and development 

of a Recycled Water Facility (RWF), Groundwater 

Recharge Facility (GWRF), and related recycled 

water conveyance infrastructure. The city’s 

investment in recycled water will support 

sustainable economic development and extend 

and secure water supplies while improving the 

resilience of the greater Lower Boise River 

Watershed (LBRW). 

State the length of time and estimated completion 

date for the proposed project. 

The planning and pre-construction activities 

(Project) enabled by this funding will take 

approximately 30 months and are expected to be 

completed by October 2025. 

Whether or not the proposed planning efforts are 

for a project on a Federal facility or will involve 

Federal land. 

The Project will not involve a federal facility or 

federal land. 

PROJECT LOCATION 

Provide specific information on the geographic 

location of the project area including a map 

showing the geographic location. 

The proposed Project is located in southwestern 

Idaho, within Ada County (Fig. 1). 

The proposed Project will be located 

approximately 2.5 miles south of the southernmost boundary of the City of Boise (city). Figure 1 

below illustrates areas of interest under 

investigation for the GWRF. These areas are 

being tested for groundwater recharge feasibility, 

with the possibility for co-location with the RWF. 

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sites are identified through desktop analyses, they 

will be further evaluated for viability through 

alternatives analysis, the city’s BCE process, and 

environmental and cultural resource compliance 

activities. The following approach will be used to 

evaluate sites for proposed future infrastructure: 

• Identify preliminary Facilities’ site requirements 

and develop selection criteria 

• Screen and prioritize properties in target areas 

meeting the minimum siting requirements 

(eliminating sites that do not meet minimum 

criteria) 

• Negotiate access agreements with landowners 

for identified properties 

• Perform technical evaluations of identified 

properties to verify suitability including 

obtaining the geologic, hydrogeologic, and 

geochemical information required to support 

land acquisition (final land purchase), 

permitting, and decision-making 

• Assess prioritized parcels on technical, social, 

and economic criteria using a BCE 

• Perform additional feasibility studies (i.e., site 

geophysics, including surface-based resistivity 

testing, surface-based magnetics, and seismic 

survey methods) and environmental due 

diligence (e.g., site survey and cultural 

resource evaluation to support NEPA 

document preparation) to confirm site 

suitability prior to property purchase and future 

construction 

• Negotiate and finalize purchase of selected 

properties 

RESPONSES TO EVALUATION 

CRITERIA 

Evaluation Criterion 1 – Project Planning and 

Analysis 

Subcriterion 1a – Water recycling needs 

and opportunities (15 points) 

Describe the problems and needs in the project 

area. 

SECTION 2: Technical Proposal and Evaluation Criteria 

The city, along with other municipalities in the arid 

West, must confront the perfect storm: changing 

precipitation, snowpack, and drought patterns 

fueled by climate change coinciding with the 

regional growth of industry and communities. The 

RWP will diversify the community water supply by 

advancing the use of recycled water for industrial 

reuse and by replenishing groundwater resources 

through groundwater recharge. Located within the 

Treasure Valley Region (TVR; Boise Metro Area), 

Boise is planning for future population growth, 

increased urban/suburbanization, increased water 

demands, and rising ambient temperatures in the 

LBRW. Developing recycled water is critical to 

securing water supplies for future generations of 

Boise residents. The Project will enable the city to 

support community values related to protecting 

the Boise River while bolstering public support for 

leveraging recycled water to meet water supply 

planning needs. 

Describe the current and projected water supplies 

and demands in the project area; include a 

discussion on supply and demand imbalances. 

Additional consideration will be given to proposals 

that explain how the problems and needs in the 

area may be impacted by climate change, and/or 

if supply and demand projections will include 

climate change information. 

The city is located within the TVR and the LBRW, 

within Southern Idaho’s high-desert region. The 

arid landscape is dense in sagebrush and desert 

grasses, and the city’s surrounding agricultural 

land relies on an extensive irrigation canal system. 

Declining snowpack, illustrated in Fig. 2 below, 

and decreased storage in the region’s reservoirs 

due to climate change paired with rapid regional 

growth have resulted in a growing water supply 

and demand imbalance across the TVR. A report 

commissioned by Idaho Department of Water 

Resources (IDWR), found domestic, commercial, 

municipal, and industrial (DCMI) water demand for 

the TVR will more than double, with an increase of 

188,000 acre-feet per year (140% of current 

demand) by 2065 (IDWR, 2016). The wastewater 

treatment facility system capacity in Boise will 

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SECTION 2: Technical Proposal and Evaluation Criteria 

need to increase by ~20% by 2040 to meet 

community and industry growth projections. 

Fig 2. Snowpack % Change 1955-2015 

Recent studies show that Boise will continue to 

face greater water resources stresses due to 

climate change. Boise relies on groundwater fed 

by underground aquifers for most of its local water 

supply. Climate model predictions focused on the 

Pacific NW and Rocky Mountain Region (IDWR, 

2012; 2016) show that warmer weather will result 

in more fall and winter precipitation as rain, 

instead of snow, causing earlier snowmelt and 

higher peak river flows. As these flows rush out of 

the region through the river system, they cannot 

be captured and stored in underground reservoirs. 

A study by the 2016 Boise Climate Adaptation 

Assessment (BCAA) outlined expected future 

climate change-related impacts for Boise, 

including changing precipitation patterns, rising 

temperatures, and increasing drought frequency. 

The BCAA found the TVR is likely to experience 

the following by the mid-21st century: 

• Moderate droughts will occur in roughly 1 of 

every 2 years, vs. 1 in every 4 now 

• Exceptional drought will occur in 1 of every 3 or 

4 years, vs. 1 in every 12 now 

• Drought frequency and duration is projected to 

increase despite increases in heavy 

precipitation events due to increased 

evaporative demand with warming 

• Drought-related water quality issues from low 

stream flows and hotter temperatures 

Given these trends, the Treasure Valley 

Comprehensive Aquifer Management Plan 

(TVCAMP) concluded: “The Boise River basin 

may experience wetter wet years and drier dry 

years. However, because our water storage 

capacity in the basin is fixed, the increased water 

supplies during the wet years cannot be captured 

and held over for use during the dry years. 

Consequently, wet years do not offset dry years.” 

(IWRB, 2012). 

Additionally, regional water supply is decreasing 

as the TVR is experiencing rapid community and 

industry growth. The TVR accounts for 46% of 

Idaho’s population and is the eighth fastest 

growing region in the U.S. (census.gov, 2020). 

By 2065, the TVR population will increase by more 

than 250%, to 1.57 million (Treasure Valley DCMI 

Water Demand Projections (2015-2065)). 

Average household density is also projected to 

decrease, which may further drive-up water 

demand. 

An influx of industrial investment in SE Boise, the 

wider city, and across the state is also increasing 

water demand. The TVR is the largest metro area 

in Idaho with a labor force of roughly 416,700. 

Despite the pandemic, the employed workforce 

grew 12.5% between 2017 and 2021 (US Bureau 

of Labor Statistics, 2022). 

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SECTION 2: Technical Proposal and Evaluation Criteria 

Collectively, these pressures will place increasing 

value on reliable water supplies within the TVR 

and arid West. The proposed WaterSMART 

Project will enable the city to evolve its resource 

management practices by meeting the demands 

and opportunities of these drivers through 

recycled water. 

Describe how the planning activities will investigate 

potential uses and markets for reclaimed or 

desalinated water (e.g., environmental restoration, 

fish and wildlife, groundwater recharge, municipal, 

domestic, industrial, agricultural, power 

generation, and recreation). 

The Project will advance the city’s investigation of 

industrial reuse and groundwater recharge. 

Through the development of the 2020 Water 

Renewal Utility Plan (Utility Plan) and the RWP’s 

Highest and Best Use Policy, the city investigated 

a range of potential recycled water uses and 

developed a decision-making framework for 

evaluating alternatives. The RWP aims to produce 

fit-for-purpose water (“the right water for the right 

use”) and prioritize recycled water use 

diversification whenever feasible to manage risk 

and increase community benefit. Fit-for-purpose 

water means that water is treated based on how it 

will be used, not over-treated to incur excessive 

costs, nor under-treated, narrowing the 

possibilities for diversified end uses. When making 

decisions about how the recycled water it 

produces will be used, the city evaluated how well 

each potential recycled water use alternative 

manages risk, responds to market signals, and 

addresses community values. Through the 

evaluation process, industrial recycled water and 

groundwater recharge were identified as the two 

initial uses that ranked the highest amongst the 

evaluation criteria for Boise’s recycled water. 

Describe the source water that will be considered 

for the project, including location, capacities, 

existing flows, treatment processes, and quantities 

of impaired water available to meet the new 

reclaimed, recycled, or desalinated water 

demands. 

The Project will enable development of a RWF 

capable of treating up to 5 mgd of used industrial 

water for beneficial use through groundwater 

recharge and/or industrial reuse. The RWF will 

renew industrial source water via an integrated 

treatment approach that incorporates multiple 

barriers of treatment with a range of contaminant 

removal to provide a robust, flexible treatment 

process suitable for achieving high levels of 

treatment. In March 2023, the city is launching a 

pilot test to characterize the effectiveness of 

various treatment train configurations to meet a 

range of water quality targets. The pilot will 

support the RWF treatment train selection. The 

pilot’s ultimate goal will be to demonstrate 

treatment of representative industrial used water 

to Class A Recycled Water Quality Standards, and 

meeting all groundwater quality rules for Primary 

Drinking Water and Secondary (aesthetic) 

maximum contaminant levels. The pilot will also 

target removal of chemicals listed under EPA’s 

Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule. 

The pilot includes the following unit processes for 

source water treatment: air stripper, ultrafiltration, 

reverse osmosis, UV–advanced oxidation 

process, adsorptive media contactor, chemical 

feed systems, and ancillary equipment. 

Subcriterion 1b – Evaluation of project 

alternatives (15 points) 

Describe the objectives that all alternatives will be 

designed to meet. 

The city’s alternatives will be designed to meet 

multiple objectives, identified in the Utility Plan as 

“planning drivers.” Table 2 below summarizes the 

internal and external objectives the city used to 

guide its planning effort and Utility Plan 

development. 

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SECTION 2: Technical Proposal and Evaluation Criteria 

The site characterization work will obtain the 

geologic, hydrogeologic, and geochemical 

information necessary to support land acquisition, 

permitting, and decision-making for the 

groundwater recharge pilot testing and full-scale 

facility location and method identification. It will 

also support groundwater modeling necessary to 

support the reuse permit application and injection 

well permit application, if required. 

Provide a general description of the selected 

project, including project features, benefits, 

anticipated costs, and analyses conducted. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 

The RWP will involve developing an industrial 

recycled water program and pursuing 

groundwater recharge, including construction of 

key features like the two Facilities, and 

conveyance systems for industrial water and 

recycled water distribution. Fig. 3 illustrates the 

city’s selected water management approach with 

the emphasis on enhancing the Boise River, 

developing an industrial recycled water program, 

and pursuing groundwater recharge. 

Fig 3. City’s Selected Water Management Approach and Project Features 

BENEFITS: 

The RWP benefits align with the city’s LOS goals. 

These benefits include: 

• Improves use of water resources and lowers 

recycled water transportation costs to areas 

where it can be beneficially used by building 

new WRFs closer to where growth is projected 

to occur and closer to areas for groundwater 

recharge and industrial reuse. 

• Positions the city to respond to future water 

challenges by diversifying what the city does 

with its renewed water. 

• Enables the city to best manage water 

resources in the future as drivers like 

population growth and climate change 

continue to evolve. 

• The city’s BCE analysis indicated recycled 

water availability will drive economic 

development. The estimated benefit cost of 

recycled water availability is This 

benefit cost was quantified as the new 

industries relocating to Boise, generating direct 

and indirect positive economic impacts. 

• Bolsters groundwater supply through 

groundwater recharge to limit risk exposure to 

climate change-driven impacts 

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SECTION 2: Technical Proposal and Evaluation Criteria 

Include a preliminary schedule showing major Fig. 4 illustrates the expected Project schedule. 

tasks, milestones, and dates for the planning, 

design, and construction activities related to the 

project. 

Fig 4. Project Schedule 

Evaluation Criterion 2 – Stretching water 

supplies (20 points) 

Describe the potential for the project to reduce, 

postpone, or eliminate the development of new or 

expanded non-recycled water supplies. 

TVR communities are looking for solutions to meet 

supply and demand imbalances, including 

investments in new, non-recycled water sources. 

By 2065, TVR DCMI water demand will more than 

double, with an increase of 188,000 acre-feet per 

year (IDWR, 2016). The RWP will help reduce the 

need for new non-recycled water supplies to meet 

this growing demand by developing a RWF for 

industrial reuse and groundwater recharge. 

The city’s two existing WRFs, West Boise and 

Lander Street, treat a combined 30 mgd and 

discharge renewed water into the Boise River. 

Boise projects a 20% increase in treatment 

systemwide capacity is needed by 2040 to support 

city-wide population and industry growth, including 

the rapid expansion of water intensive industrial 

facilities in the southeast region of the city. As 

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SECTION 2: Technical Proposal and Evaluation Criteria 

system capacity needs rise, these WRFs will be 

unable to meet this demand. 

The Project will reduce 5 mgd of flow currently 

managed through the existing WRFs by 

redirecting industrial flow to the new RWF. 

Reduction in flow will maximize system capacity 

and provide Boise with treatment flexibility to allow 

for more municipal treatment opportunities amid 

record community and industry growth. 

The RWP represents a significant evolution in 

resource management for WRS and reflects 

community values of seeking more from local 

water resources, through water reuse. Recycled 

water development will position Boise to better 

respond to future water challenges, and ultimately 

help reduce the need for additional capacity that 

could be met by non-recycled water supplies. 

Diversifying end uses gives the city flexibility to 

best manage water resources in the future as 

temperature, precipitation, and drought conditions 

continue to evolve across the Western region due 

to the impacts of change climate. 

Describe the potential for the project to alleviate 

pressure on existingwater supplies and/or facilities. 

Please describe the existing water supplies, identify 

the supplies and/or facilities that will be impacted 

and explain how they will be impacted by the 

Project, including quantifications where applicable. 

The RWP will alleviate pressure on both existing 

water supplies and treatment facilities. The 

southwestern Idaho region faces drought 

conditions and depleting groundwater supplies 

during a period of rapid regional expansion and 

economic growth. Despite recent storms, 71% of 

Idaho remains in moderate to severe drought as 

of February 2023 (US Drought Monitor, 2023). 

According to the Natural Resource Conservation 

Service Boise Basin Surface Water Supply Index, 

surface water supplies were insufficient in 1 out of 

every 5 years, on average. During periods of 

reduced surface water supply, irrigators turn to 

groundwater to meet water demands. While some 

TVR areas show local aquifer stability, others 

have shown significant decline (IDWR, 2016). 

Irrigation water suppliers own water rights for 

groundwater diversion which are used each year. 

Most often irrigation wells target the shallow 

aquifer, which feeds most of the groundwater 

supply in the TVR. By diverting the draw of water 

supplies through industrial recharge, and by 

replenishing the aquifer through groundwater 

recharge, the RWP will improve the long-term 

availability and stability of regional water 

resources. 

Describe the potential for the project to make 

water available to address a specific concern. 

Explain the specific concern and its severity. Also 

explain the role of the project being investigated in 

addressing that concern and the extent to which 

the project will address it. Specific concerns may 

include, but are not limited to: water supply 

shortages, water supply reliability, groundwater 

depletion, water quality issues, natural disasters 

that may impact water supply infrastructure, 

heightened competition for water supplies, 

availability of alternative supplies, increasing costof 

water supplies. 

The proposed Project will further the advancement 

of the RWP, which will renew the used water 

supply and provide a consistent source of water to 

local industries and to the GWRF. By investing in 

recycled water, Boise will diversify its water supply 

and address a multitude of local and regional 

water supply and resiliency concerns amid a 

changing climate in the West. Table 5 presents a 

summary of specific concerns and how the project 

will help address these concerns. 

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58.01.11) for aquifer recharge applications. Upon 

implementation, the RWF will achieve Idaho’s 

highest treatment standards for industrial reuse 

and aquifer recharge. In addition to meeting 

groundwater standards, the selected treatment 

processes will remove emerging contaminants. As 

the regulatory landscape and community 

expectations continue to evolve, the city’s 

treatment approach will adapt to these drivers. 

Describe the potential for the project to improve 

flow conditions in a natural stream channel. 

The Project will improve flow conditions for the 

Lower Boise River by enhancing groundwater 

supply in the aquifer, which indirectly benefits 

surface water stream flows via groundwater 

seepage. Groundwater recharge will also protect 

the Lower Boise River through the treatment and 

infiltration of used water that reduces pollutants 

discharged to the Boise River (Utility Plan, 2020). 

Describe the potential for the project to restore or 

enhance habitat for non-listed fish and wildlife 

species. 

The Project will help restore/enhance habitat for 

non-listed fish and wildlife species. Numerous 

trout species, including rainbow, brown, and 

steelhead, as well as bass, whitefish, catfish, and 

bluegill are present in the Boise River. The Snake 

River is considered one of the finest trout fishing 

rivers in the United States. It is home to native 

Yellowstone cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout. 

These species will benefit from reduced nutrient 

loading, which will reduce algae growth. These 

fish require cold, oxygen-rich water. In addition to 

improved water quality, the groundwater recharge 

will enhance flow conditions via groundwater 

seepage, as previously described. By reducing 

effluent discharges to the Boise River, the city is 

helping to reduce sediment, nutrient, temperature, 

and bacteria loadings in the Lower Boise River 

and, subsequently, the Snake River. 

Describe the potential for the project to provide 

water or habitat for federally listed threatened or 

endangered species. 

The Project will indirectly support habitat for 

federally listed threatened species, specifically the 

SECTION 2: Technical Proposal and Evaluation Criteria 

Snake River Basin steelhead. This Endangered 

Species Act (ESA) threatened species will benefit 

from the reduction of nutrient loads to the Lower 

Boise River and the enhanced flows from 

groundwater seepage. The Snake River Recovery 

Sub-Domain is one of three sub-domains within 

the Interior Columbia River Recovery Domain. It is 

home to four ESA-listed salmon/steelhead 

species: Snake River sockeye, Snake River 

spring/summer Chinook, Snake River fall 

Chinook, and Snake River steelhead. 

Evaluation Criterion 4 – Department of the 

Interior Priorities (15 points) 

CLIMATE CHANGE 

Please provide specific details and examples on 

how the project will address the impacts of climate 

change and help combat the climate crisis. 

In alignment with Boise’s Climate Action Roadmap 

and Energy Future Plan, the RWP will reduce 

greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to help combat 

the climate crisis by offsetting emissions at other 

city facilities. As detailed in these two plans, the 

city’s facilities and operations will be powered by 

100% clean or renewable electricity sources by 

2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2035. WRS 

currently represents ∼40% of electricity 

consumption by city operations and facilities. 

Constructing the RWF will inherently increase 

power consumption and GHG emissions. 

However, the Projects are aligned with Boise’s 

Energy Plan, and all energy exceeding current 

energy usage will be offset by renewable energy. 

In addition, the RWP will help Boise address the 

impacts of climate change on water reliability by 

providing a new, reliable water source through the 

production of recycled water. 

Does this proposed project strengthen water 

supply sustainability to increase resilience to 

climate change? Does the proposed project 

contribute to climate change resiliency in other 

ways not described above? 

The proposed Project furthers the advancement of 

the RWP, which will strengthen water supply 

sustainability and increase climate change 

resiliency by providing a recycled water source to 

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SECTION 2: Technical Proposal and Evaluation Criteria 

With growing commercial and industry 

investments in SE Boise, the city aims to attract 

high-quality jobs that benefit the Boise community, 

including traditionally underserved communities. 

The RWP will develop a Climate Economy Policy 

to help implement a plan to create jobs that 

support the climate and the community through its 

investments. The RWF will require highly skilled 

operators to run the complex treatment processes. 

The city can partner with Idaho Department of 

Labor and Idaho DEQ to support operator 

trainings. Additionally, the development of a new 

water source, through recycled water, will enable 

Boise to accommodate greater industry expansion 

and job growth. Boise can invest in workforce 

development initiatives, such as partnering with 

local universities, regional agencies, and 

community groups representing diverse 

communities, to build a talent pipeline and bring 

Boiseans high-quality jobs. 

TRIBAL BENEFITS 

Does the proposed project directly serve and/or 

benefit a Tribe? Will the project improve water 

management for an Indian Tribe? 

The RWP’s GWRF boundary area and 

surrounding areas are within the ancestral 

homelands of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes. This 

information can be used for future collaboration 

with the Tribes as stakeholders and partners in the 

city’s commitment to protecting vital natural 

resources and identifying water management 

opportunities. The RWP’s planned Good Neighbor 

Policy will outline the approach of how to engage 

with neighboring communities, including Tribes. 

Does the proposed project support Tribal resilience 

to climate change and drought impacts or provide 

other Tribal benefits such as improved public 

health and safety by addressing water quality, new 

water supplies, or economic growth opportunities? 

The project will not directly support tribal resilience 

to climate change or drought impacts. However, 

the RWP will strengthen water supply 

sustainability and resilience to climate change for 

water users across the TVR and Lower Snake 

River Basin through groundwater recharge. 

Evaluation Criterion 5 – Watershed 

perspective (15 points) 

Will the proposed project implement a regional or 

state water plan or an integrated resource 

management plan? Explain. 

The city’s water supply goals are aligned with 

state priorities. The RWP supports Idaho’s State 

Water Plan (ISWP) which guides water resources 

use, conservation, and management in Idaho. The 

ISWP identifies aquifer stabilization as a statewide 

priority to be accomplished, in part, by managed 

aquifer recharge. It describes the framework for 

statewide, long-term stewardship and aquifer 

management. The TVCAMP, a regional 

groundwater management plan, is a component of 

the ISWP. The RWP aligns with the goals and 

actions recommended in the TVCAMP. The RWP 

also supports the SE Boise Water Management 

Area Management Plan (SEBGWMA), 

established in 2001 to “...curtail the trend of 

declining water levels while protecting the rights of 

existing water users.” Some of the goals from the 

Plan include protecting water rights and water 

quality and maximizing the benefit of and 

augmenting the water resource within the 

management area, including aquifer recharge and 

other approved management activities (IDWR, 

2001). 

Will the proposed project help meet the water 

supply needs of a large geographic area, region, or 

watershed? Explain. 

The RWP is helping meet water supply needs of 

the TVR, the LBRW, and the 17-sq. mile 

SEBGWMA (Fig. 6). The RWF will provide a 

consistent recycled water source to local 

industries, offsetting industrial potable water use 

and more effectively managing water supply. The 

GWRF will provide an additional recharge source 

and mitigate groundwater overdraft. As climate 

change trends such as increasing temperatures 

and decreasing snowpack continue, water storage 

availability will continue to pose challenges to the 

service area. The recycled water will be treated to 

high standards established by Idaho DEQ for 

industrial reuse (IDAPA 58.01.17) and aquifer 

recharge (IDAPA 58.01.11). Additional treatment 

City of Boise Title XVI WaterSMART: Water Recycling and Desalination Planning | 20 
S

Fig 6. LBR

ECTION 2: Technical Proposal and Evaluation Criteria

W & SE Boise Groundwater Management Area

will be achieved as water 

percolates through sand and 

gravel through infiltration basins or 

vadose zone injection. Healthy 

aquifer levels also benefit the 

LBRW via groundwater seepage. 

This additional groundwater supply 

will benefit local farmers, 

communities, industries, and 

wildlife habitat during dry years. 

Will the proposed project promote 

collaborative partnerships to 

address water-related issues? 

Explain. Describe stakeholder 

involvement in the project planning 

process.

Yes, the proposed Projects and the

RWP promote collaborative 

partnerships to address water-related issues. To 

support SEBGWMA’s water monitoring network, 

Boise provides access to its wells. As water supply

challenges increase, Boise can continue to 

collaborate with IDWR and other water users to 

manage supply and demand issues. During RWP 

planning, the city has also engaged with potential 

industrial customers to build partnership around 

shared climate goals and to understand how they 

may benefit from the RWP. Micron Technologies’ 

recent announcement to invest $15B in Boise over 

the next decade is in part a testament to the 

industry’s confidence in the city being able to meet 

its expanded water needs. 

The city is committed to using the best available 

science and technology to not only establish a 

robust RWP, but to also share the knowledge 

regionally and model how other Idaho recycled 

water programs can be implemented. In 2021, 

Boise partnered with National Water Research 

Institute to form an advisory group to provide 

scientific, technical, and policy advice on 

challenging issues that may arise as the RWP

develops. As the RWP matures, the city can 

provide similar expertise to and foster 

collaborative partnerships with other entities 

interested in advancing recycled water such other 

City of Boise Title XVI W

municipalities, irrigation districts, potential 

recycled water users, and regulators. 

Will the proposed project include public outreach 

and opportunities for the public to learn about the 

project? 

Through the Project, WRS will uphold its vision to 

build a program that reflects community values 

and maximizes community benefits by executing 

a stakeholder engagement strategy to increase 

water resource literacy, educate the public about 

the Project, and engage the community in 

decision-making. The public will be invited to visit 

the RWP pilot and interact with staff to learn about 

the treatment processes and the city’s recycled 

water vision. Building stakeholder confidence and 

transparently sharing water quality data are key 

pilot goals. The RWP is leveraging the city’s 

community outreach, language access, and 

community accessibility teams to develop an 

engagement strategy that reaches the diverse 

Boise community. 

The city plans to continue engaging the public in 

future RWP decisions. The RWP’s planned Good 

Neighbor Policy will establish a framework for how 

the program listens to and engages with the Boise 

community equitably to ensure all Boiseans can 

weigh in on the future of the program. 

aterSMART: Water Recycling and Desalination Planning | 2 1


SECTION 2: Technical Proposal and Evaluation Criteria

City of Boise Title XVI WaterSMART: Water Recycling and Desalination Planning | 2 3

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SECTION 2: Technical Proposal and Evaluation Criteria

City of Boise Title XVI WaterSMART: Water Recycling and Desalination Planning | 2 4
City of Boise Title XVI WaterSMART: Water Recycling and Desalination Planning | 2 5

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(Recommended)

ired Permits or Approvals

While the proposed planning activities included within this application are not subject to permit requirements, 

the Recycled Water Facilities will be subject to a number of state and Federal permits. A comprehensive 

permit plan will be developed for the Project. The plan will incorporate both permits and environmental and 

cultural requirements so that all can be completed in a coordinated manner. The permits specifically applicable 

to recycling and reuse of wastewater are: 

State: Local: 

• Recycled Water Permit (DEQ) and Solids • Design Review

Management Plan • Comprehensive Plan Amendment

• UIC Permit for Aquifer Recharge (IDWR) • Conditional Use Permit

• Air Quality Permit • Floodplain Permit

• Drilling Permits • Pretreatment / Local Limits Evaluation

• Construction General Permit (SWPPP) • Master Site Plan

• Right of Way Encroachment • Septic Permit

• IPDES permit • Zoning Ordinance Map Amendment and 

• Fish and Game – wildlife issues, migratory Development Agreement

paths, plants • Hillside Permit

• Water Rights Evaluations • Fire Department Approval

• Ada County Highway District Driveway Federal: Approach Access Permit • FAA exemption • Record of Survey (Land Division or • Source Water Protection measures Adjustment)

• NEPA evaluation • Traffic Impact Study

• Section 404/401 Permits • Wildlife Safety and Mitigation Plan

• US Fish and Wildlife Service – threatened and • 524 Permit – Commercial Grading and endangered species Drainage with Utilities

• Section 106 cultural resources protections • 502 Permit – New Commercial and 

Commercial Additions

• 526 Permit – Commercial Rough Grading

• ACHD Temporary Right of Way Approach 

Permit
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(Recommended;

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City of Boise Title XVI WaterSMART: Water Recycling and Desalination Planning | 2 6
City of Boise

Resolution

Resolution

Legal 

150 N Capitol Blvd

Boise, ID 83702

(208) 972-8531 

TO: Mayor and Council

FROM: Mary Grant, Legal

NUMBER: RES-88-23 

DATE: February 8, 2023

SUBJECT: U.S. Bureau of Reclamation WaterSMART Grant Opportunity 

BACKGROUND: 

The Recycled Water Program will facilitate the implementation of the city’s Recycled Water 

Facility that will treat industrial wastewater for purposes of industrial reuse and groundwater 

recharge. City staff and the Recycled Water Program team have been actively working on next 

steps for the Recycled Water Program and continue to work on funding opportunities to relieve 

impacts to ratepayers. 

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) WaterSMART Title XVI grant funding is provided to 

applicants for activities such as “...the development of new water recycling and desalination 

feasibility studies; planning and preliminary design activities for water recycling or desalination 

construction projects; or environmental compliance activities for water recycling or desalination 

construction projects.” Grant funds may be used for planning and feasibility studies-related work 

only (not construction costs). Approximately $30 million in available program funds will be 

distributed, with a maximum award of $1,000,000 for Funding Group I. A non-federal cost share 

of 50 percent or more of the total project costs is required for Funding Group I. 

The USBR WaterSMART grant eligibility requirements include 1) Approved Feasibility Study, 

2) City-approved funding for the project, and 3) compliance with the National Environmental 

Policy Act (NEPA) and the National Historic Preservation Act, and 4) eligible activities which 

may include: development of new water recycling feasibility studies, preparation of preliminary 

project cost estimates, site specific investigations to gather design data, development and 

evaluation of project alternatives, collecting data and gathering documentation for environmental 

and cultural resources compliance, and other pre-final design activities that contribute to 

construction program eligibility. City staff’s proposed scope for grant funding includes planning 

and feasibility-related work for the Recycled Water Program. 
CITY OF BOISE

The city of Boise City, Ada County, Idaho will commit to the financial and legal obligations 

associated with receipt of financial assistance under Funding Opportunity Announcement No. 

R23AS00076 WaterSMART: Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Projects, and authorize 

Public Works Director to sign and submit the USBR Title XVI WaterSMART: Water Recycling 

and Desalination Planning Grant Funding Application. 

FINANCIAL IMPACT:

No impact to general fund.

ATTACHMENTS:

• WaterSmart Grant Committee App_RWP_signed (PDF)
CITY OF BOISE

Resolution NO. RES-88-23 

BY THE COUNCIL BAGEANT, CLEGG, HALLYBURTON, 

WILLITS AND WOODINGS

A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE GRANT APPLICATION FOR A MAXIMUM 

AWARD AMOUNT OF $1,000,000 FROM THE U.S. BUREAU OF RECLAMATION 

TITLE XVI WATERSMART: WATER RECYCLING AND DESALINATION 

PLANNING GRANT OPPORTUNITY; COMMITTING THE CITY TO FINANCIAL 

AND LEGAL OBLIGATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH ANY RECEIPT OF FUNDING; 

AUTHORIZING THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR TO APPLY ON BEHALF OF THE 

CITY OF BOISE CITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

WHEREAS, the Recycled Water Program, within the Public Works Department, has 

reviewed and recommended approval of the application for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Title 

XVI WaterSMART grant opportunity; and 

WHEREAS, this funding may be awarded by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for the 

development of new water recycling and desalination feasibility studies; planning and 

preliminary design activities for water recycling or desalination construction projects; or 

environmental compliance activities for water recycling or desalination construction projects; 

and 

WHEREAS, the city of Boise City will commit to the financial and legal obligations 

associated with any receipt of financial assistance under Funding Opportunity Announcement 

No. R23AS00076 WaterSMART: Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Projects, and 

authorize Public Works Director to sign and submit the USBR Title XVI WaterSMART: Water 

Recycling and Desalination Planning Grant Funding Application. 

 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BOISE 

CITY, IDAHO:

Section 1. That the grant application up to an amount of $1,000,000 from the U.S. 

Bureau of Reclamation Title XVI WaterSMART grant opportunity, attached as Exhibit A, is 

authorized and approved as to both form and content. 

Section 2. That Public Works Director is hereby authorized to execute and attest said 

Application for and on behalf of the city of Boise City.

Section 3. That this Resolution shall be in full force and effect immediately upon its 

adoption and approval. 
CITY OF BOISE

ADOPTED by the Council of Boise City, Idaho, on February 14, 2023. 

APPROVED by the Mayor of the Boise City, Idaho, on February 14, 2023. 

APPROVED:

Lauren McLean, Mayor

ATTEST:

Lynda Lowry, Ex-Officio City Clerk
City of Boise Title XVI WaterSMART: Water Recycling and Desalination Planning | 2 7

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rs of Support for the 

Project and Letters of 

P

(Recommended,

artic

will 

i

not

pati

 count toward

o

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n 

he page limit) 

Include letters from interested stakeholders that support the proposed project, if 

applicable
February 23, 2023

United States Department of the Interior

Bureau of Reclamation, Water Resources and Planning

(Submitted Electronically with Boise’s application)

SUBJECT: Letter of Support; City of Boise Funding Application – Funding Opportunity

#R23AS00076- WaterSMART: Water Recycling and Desalination Planning

I am writing on behalf of the Idaho Conservation League (ICL) to share support for the City of

Boise’s funding application to the Bureau of Reclamation’ WaterSMART program submitted by

the City of Boise Recycled Water Program. Founded in 1973, ICL is Idaho’s oldest and largest

non-profit natural resources conservation organiztion. We represent approximately 25,000

members and supporters from all across Idaho, the majority of whom live in and around Boise.

ICL deeply appreciates the City of Boise’s commitment to responsible use of natural resources,

and we recongize this funding application will support the city’s long-term vision and goals of

increasing water resiliency and protecting the Boise River. More specifically, we understand that

the funding proposes to develop a feasibility study to enable future capital funding, evaluate sites

for recycled water facilities, and groundwater recharge and associated activities.

Boise is an innovative municipal leader within Idaho on issues of climate action and

conservation of resources, and ICL is particularly appreciative of the City’s leadership in these

realms. ICL trusts that should Boise receive this funding, it will be put to efficient and

meaningful use.

Thank you for considering ICL’s support of this application. Should you have any questions or

need additional information, please contact me at mkellner@idahoconservation.org or

208-369-4885.

Sincerely,

Idaho Conservation League

Conservation Programs Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NATIONAL WATER RESEARCH INSTITUTE 

18700 Word St. • Fountain Volley, CA 92708 • (714) 378-3278 

khardy@nwri-usa.org. 

February 23, 2023 

United States Department of the Interior 

Bureau of Reclamation, Water Sources and Planning 

[Submitted Electronically] 

SUBJECT: Letter of Support: City of Boise Funding Application – Funding Opportunity 

#R23AS00076-WaterSMART: Water Recycling and Desalination Planning 

I am writing to share support from National Water Research Institute (NWRI) for the funding 

application to the Bureau of Land Management WaterSMART program submitted by the City 

of Boise Recycled Water Program. The funding application will support the city’s long-term 

vision and goals of increasing water resiliency and protecting the Boise River. More 

specifically, the funding proposes to develop a feasibility study to enable future capital 

funding, evaluate sites for recycled water facilities, and groundwater recharge and 

associated activities. 

The City of Boise engaged NWRI to administer an Independent Advisory Panel to review the 

proposed Recycled Water Program and provide expert consensus opinions on scientific, 

technical, and policy issues that arise as the Program is developed and implemented. The 

Panel met in 2021 and was impressed with the city’s commitment to mapping out its water 

future to meet the needs of a growing population, regulatory challenges, and the duty to 

manage its water supply as a public resource. 

The city presented the Panel with information about its goals for the Recycled Water 

Program, including increasing resiliency and reliability of the water supply, maximizing 

environmental benefits and economic development, and creating solutions for future 

generations. The Panel supports these goals and will continue to advise the city through an 

independent, third-party expert peer review process as the program develops. 

Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact me at 

Sincerely, 

Kevin M. Hardy

Executive Director 

Kevin M. Hardy • Executive Director • khardy@nwri-usa.org • www.nwri-usa.org 

JPA MEMBERS: Inland Empire Utilities Agency • Irvine Ranch Water District • Los Angeles Department of Water and Power 

Metropolitan Water District of Southern California • Orange County Sanitation District • Orange County Water District 
ADA COUNTY 

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES 

 200 W. FRONT STREET, BOISE, IDAHO 83702-7300 PHONE (208) 287-7900 

 https://adacounty.id.gov/developmentservices FAX (208) 287-7909 

BUILDING • COMMUNITY PLANNING • ENGINEERING & SURVEYING • PERMITTING 

Richard Beck 

Director 

February 27, 2023 (Submitted Electronically)

 

United States Department of the Interior 

Bureau of Reclamation, Water Resources and Planning 

RE: Letter of Support; City of Boise Funding Application – Funding Opportunity 

 #R23AS00076- WaterSMART: Water Recycling and Desalination Planning 

I am writing to share support from the Ada County Department of Development Services 

for the funding application to the Bureau of Land Management WaterSMART program 

submitted by the City of Boise Recycled Water Program. The funding application will 

support the city’s long-term vision and goals of increasing water resiliency and protecting 

the Boise River, which benefits all jurisdictions in the Treasure Valley. More specifically, 

Ada County is supportive of the City of Boise’s request for the following reasons: 

o The City of Boise was part of the Water Summit Meetings organized by Ada 

County last year and aquifer recharge was identified as one of the goals from 

all the stakeholders. 

o Ada County believes this effort could be part of the solution to address the 

declining groundwater levels in the shallow (100 ft deep) wells in the South 

West Boise Area. 

o The proposed feasibility study which would enable future capital funding and 

evaluate sites for recycled water facilities, groundwater recharge, and 

associated activities could be used by other entities in the area that have 

engaged with these issues but are unclear as to the details or ways to move 

forward. 

In addition, Ada County Development Services trusts these efforts will utilize the best 

available data from any other reports or information that is available at the time this 

study is conducted. We also look forward to coordinating early with the City of Boise on 

any potential recharge sites that are owned by or under the control of Ada County. 

Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact me at 208-

287-7915 or rbeck@adacounty.id.gov. 

Sincerely, 
City of Boise Title XVI WaterSMART: Water Recycling and Desalination Planning | 2 8

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ap or Duplication of 

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fort Statement 

Provide a statement that addresses if there is any overlap between the proposed project and any other 

active or anticipated proposals or projects in terms of activities, costs, or commitment of key 

personnel. If any overlap exists, applicants must provide a description of the overlap in their application 

for review.

Overlap or duplication of efforts statement 

The City is applying for this grant to assist in project costs associated with its Recycled Water 

Program, approved in 2020 as part of the City’s Water Renewal Utility Plan. The Recycled Water 

Program is focused on producing recycled water for both industrial reuse and aquifer recharge for industrial 

flows originating from the southwest Boise area, aiming to preserve local water supply and creating 

resiliency against the impacts of climate change. The Recycled Water Master Plan proposes production 

of recycled water at a third water renewal facility (“Third WRF”) for industrial reuse. 

The City has applied for and been awarded a WIFIA loan, in part, to support the Recycled Water 

Program. The WIFIA loan, however, will not entirely cover the costs of the Recycled Water Program. If 

granted, the WaterSMART funds would go towards the planning and study activities necessary for the 

Third WRF and aquifer recharge, and no WIFIA funds will be utilized on the same project activities. The 

WaterSMART grant funds would be part of the 51% match to the WIFIA loan. 

The City is also engaged with Micron Technology, Inc. (Micron) on the planning of a recycled water facility 

to support the development of a Micron memory manufacturing fabrication in Boise. Any water renewal 

facility built, owned and operated by the City to support the expansion of the Micron’s Boise campus is 

intended to be a part of the Recycled Water Program. However, the City’s role is currently undefined 

with respect to construction, ownership, and operation of that recycled water facility. Further, Micron will 

finance the activities the City’s Public Works Department engages in to assist the Micron build-out. 

There are two key personnel that overlap with respect to the Recycled Water Program activities financed 

by City funds, the WIFIA loan, Micron, and potentially the WaterSMART grant. The first is the Recycled 

Water Program Manager, Royce Davis, and the second is the Public Works Senior Project Manager, 

DeAnn Brown. Other supporting personnel with some overlap include legal assistance, communications/

public relations, pretreatment staff, and the water quality manager. 

Staff has spent considerable time delineating the Recycled Water Program activities into defined scopes 

of eligible activities matched to fund sources. To ensure accurate tracking for eligible work completed by 

fund source, the City’s Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) has created different time and 

accounting codes for City funds, WIFIA-reimbursable activities, and Micron project work. Staff enter their 

time on eligible project activities under the appropriate code. The staff time, invoices and other expenses 

paid come from the account associated with the code. The WaterSMART grant would be similarly scoped 

and coded. 
City of Boise Title XVI WaterSMART: Water Recycling and Desalination Planning | 2 9

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 7

orm Audit Reporting 

St

(Recommended)

atement

Submission of the uniform audit reporting statement within the application is recommended but not 

required. Notwithstanding this, all U.S. States, local governments, federally recognized Indian Tribal 

Governments, and non-profit organizations expending $750,000 in U.S. dollars or more in Federal 

award funds in your organization’s fiscal year must submit a Single Audit report for that year 

through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse’s Internet Data Entry System in accordance with 2 CFR Part 

200 Subpart F. U.S. State, local government, federally recognized Indian Tribal Governments, and nonprofit applicants must state if your organization was or was not required to submit a Single Audit report 

for the most recently closed fiscal year.

Uniform Audit Reporting Statement 

The city of Boise City undergoes annual audits. The City’s Department of Finance and Administration is 

in the process of completing the FY22 audit and will report to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse’s Internet 

Data Entry System in late March 2023, after the audit is finalized. The City’s EIN is 826000165, and the 

FY21 audit is currently available through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse website. 
City of Boise Title XVI WaterSMART: Water Recycling and Desalination Planning | 3 0

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ict of Interest Disclosure 

St

(Recommended)

atement

Per 2 CFR §1402.112, “Financial Assistance Interior Regulation” applicants must state in the application 

if any actual or potential conflict of interest exists at the time of submission. Submission of a conflict-ofinterest disclosure or certification statement is mandatory prior to issue of an award. 

Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement 

At this time, the City knows of no actual or potential conflicts of interest as defined and governed by 2 

CFR §1402.112. The City takes appropriate steps to avoid conflicts of interest, as demonstrated in 

Boise City Code, Title 1, Chapter 8 Code of Ethics, which includes standards of conduct and disclosure of 

conflicts of interest. Grant funds will not be used for any lobbying activities. Should any actual or 

potential conflict of interest become known to the City during the life of the award, the City will 

provide prompt notice in accordance with §1402.112(b).