Campus water systems

University of Idaho is committed to responsible water management and sustainability across campus. Our water systems are carefully designed to support our educational mission, protect public health and the environment, and reduce our overall impact on local resources. These systems include domestic water, reclaimed water, stormwater and wastewater infrastructure.

Domestic and research water systems

U of I operates its own water system on the Moscow campus. We draw water from two deep aquifer wells to supply drinking water and other domestic needs across campus. Additionally, three shallow wells provide water for research applications and support outlying campus facilities.

Reclaimed water

To help conserve the Palouse region’s aquifer, U of I uses reclaimed water for non-potable needs like irrigation. This system repurposes treated wastewater from the City of Moscow’s treatment facility and helps meet about 40% of total campus water needs, significantly reducing pressure on natural water sources. The remaining 60% is used for domestic and research purposes.

Stormwater

Stormwater is rain or snowmelt that runs off rooftops, streets and parking lots. On campus, this runoff flows through a network of storm drains that lead directly into natural waterways like Paradise Creek, Hog Creek and ultimately the South Fork Palouse River.

Because stormwater is not treated before entering these bodies of water, it’s essential that we manage it responsibly to protect ecosystems and public health.

Download a printable brochure about stormwater (PDF).

Why stormwater matters

Stormwater can carry pollutants like:

  • Oil and automotive fluids
  • Pet waste
  • Lawn fertilizers and pesticides
  • Trash and litter

These contaminants can damage aquatic habitats, threaten human health and increase cleanup costs.

How you can help protect campus waterways

  • Never dump anything down storm drains. Storm drains connect directly to natural waterways.
  • Clean up yard debris. Avoid blowing leaves, grass or dirt into the street — it clogs drains and pollutes water.
  • Pick up after pets. Pet waste carries harmful bacteria.
  • Dispose of trash properly. Litter can host dangerous bacteria and pollute our streams.
  • Maintain your car. Fix oil leaks promptly and use car washes that treat their wastewater.

Water quality and protection programs

We take water safety and quality seriously and follow rigorous standards to ensure clean, safe water across campus. Learn more about:

Regulatory oversight and compliance

University of Idaho operates under a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit regulated by the Clean Water Act. This federal law ensures that stormwater discharges meet environmental and health standards.

Clean Water Act overview

The Clean Water Act is the primary federal law that protects surface waters in the United States. It regulates how and what types of pollutants can be released into rivers, lakes and streams to help ensure clean, safe water for people and the environment.

Under this law, anyone who discharges water from a facility into natural waterways must first obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. These permits set strict limits on what can be discharged, require ongoing monitoring and reporting, and include safeguards to prevent harm to water quality and public health.

Essentially, NPDES permits turn the broader goals of the Clean Water Act into specific, enforceable requirements tailored to each situation — helping protect waterways like Paradise Creek and the South Fork Palouse River here in our own community.

Reporting lines and contact information

  • Storm water complaints
    Storm water hotline | 208-885-6246
  • Emergency spill response
    Latah County | 911
  • University streets and building
    University of Idaho Facilities | 208-885-6246