Idaho Public Utilities Commission

Case No. BRN-W-12-01, Order No. 32539

May 4, 2012

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

Brian Water seeks increase to address nitrate issues

Brian Water Company is asking state regulators to increase its monthly rates by $22.50 per customer to pay for a nitrate mitigation study and a new, deeper well to serve the company’s approximately 46 households east of Boise.

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission is taking comment on the proposal through May 16.

Brian Water is operating under an amended consent order from the state Department of Environmental Quality, which claims the water system continues to exceed the 10 milligrams per liter maximum contaminate level for nitrates. The DEQ consent order requires Brian Water to contract with a professional engineer by June 1 to evaluate treatment options to mitigate nitrate levels. A preliminary engineering report must be submitted to DEQ by no later than Dec. 15. The company must also notify customers at least quarterly about the nitrate levels in its system.

Another option is for the company to interconnect with an existing public water system.

However, in its application to the commission, Tony Bowar of Brian Water states the company is proceeding with the engineering study and hopes to drill a new, deeper well.

Residential customers now pay $17.50 per month, plus $1.51 for each thousand gallons that exceeds 4,000 gallons per month.

Customers can read the company’s application and other documents related to this case 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 Number BRN-W-12-01.

The commission plans to handle this request in a modified procedure that uses written comments rather than conducting a hearing, unless customer comments can demonstrate a need for a public hearing.

Comments are accepted via e-mail by clicking on "Comments & Questions About a Case." Fill in the case number above and enter your comments. Comments can also be mailed to P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0074 or faxed to (208) 334-3762.

###