Drinking Water
(This section has links to the Ground Water & Drinking Water FAQ on the EPA site.)
- How can I find out if my tap water is safe to drink?
- How will I know if my water isn't safe to drink?
- What's this new drinking water report that I've heard about?
- How can I get my water tested?
- What is a drinking water standard?
- I don't like the taste/smell/appearance of my tap water. What's wrong with it?
- I'm worried about a specific drinking water contaminant [lead, Cryptosporidium, nitrate, radon, etc.]. What should I know?
- What if I have a severely compromised immune system?
- What should I do if I have my own drinking water well?
- What about bottled water?
- What about home water treatment units?
Hazardous Waste
- What are hazardous wastes?
- Can I avoid extensive government regulation of my hazardous wastes?
- How can I dispose of my hazardous wastes?
- Are there special collection programs for any hazardous wastes?
- How can I reduce my unwanted agricultural chemicals?
- What else can I do to avoid hazardous waste problems?
Livestock Feeding Operations
- When do I need an EPA permit?
- If I want to construct a new dairy or feedlot or expand my existing operation, how do I get the necessary approvals to proceed?
- What is the Idaho Dairy Initiative (Dairy Memo of Understanding - Dairy MOU)?
Septic Tanks and Septage
- What septic system options are available in Idaho?
- Do septic systems require any permits?
- How often should septic tanks be checked for pumping?
- Where can I dispose of septage?
Rangeland Management
- Is there a way to get all administrative agencies to work with me for the good of my operation?
- How long can I graze in a particular land area?
- What can I do about a wildlife depredation problem?
Total Maximum Daily Loads
- TMDL Overview
- What is a TMDL?
- What types of pollutants are at issue?
- Who is responsible for Watershed Management?
- Who writes the TMDL?
- What happens after the TMDL is complete?
- Whom do I contact for more information?
Water Quality
- What is a Basin Advisory Group (BAG)?
- What is a Watershed Advisory Group (WAG)?
- How do I know if a TMDL will be required in my area?
- How can a TMDL effect my operation?
- If I develop and implement an approved Conservation Plan for my operation before a TMDL is in place, will my Plan be honored?
- If I know a TMDL is required in my area, should I hold up my Conservation Planning until the TMDL is complete?
- If I have a Conservation Plan that addresses TMDL requirements in my watershed, can I get assistance in implementing my Plan?
Water Rights
- What is a Water Right?
- How is a water right established?
- What is the "priority date"?
- What does "beneficial use" mean?
- What are "domestic purposes"?
- Can a water right be changed?
- How do I get a water right? Do I need one?
- What is a claim?
Watershed Advisory Groups
- Overview
- What is the role of the WAG in developing a TMDL?
- Who serves on a "typical" WAG?
- What is the time commitment?
- Do I need to be an expert to participate?
- What are Technical Advisory Groups (TAGs)?
- What are the key responsibilities of the WAG?
- How can we be assured that the advice of the WAG will make a difference?
- Who writes the TMDL? Who does the work?
- Where are the existing Wags?
Wetlands
- How do I know if I have wetlands?
- What should I do if I plan an activity in the wetlands area?
- Do I need a permit if I am planning an activity in an area which has been delineated as a wetland?
- How do I know which agency to contact concerning wetlands issue?
- Are Section 404 permits difficult to obtain?
- Why should wetlands be preserved or restored?