Boise ID: Water Renewal in the High Desert

City Climate Corner

As Boise is in the high desert, water is increasingly a precious resource. In 2021 Boise voters approved a 20-year $570M bond for water renewal, including a major focus on recycling wastewater. We interview Director of Public Works, Steve Burgos, and Communications Manager Natalie Monro, about how the bond referendum was approved, and how they have engaged the public to generate acceptance for keeping water local.

Resources

• City of Boise Climate Action Roadmap
• TV spot and article: City of Boise partners with local breweries to make beer from recycled water
• Article: Boise voters overwhelmingly pass sewer bond
• Words on Water podcast: Haley Falconer on Sustainability in Boise
• Struvite production from Water Renewal Process