Sensitive Aquifer Recharge Areas (SARA)

In a proactive move to safeguard crucial water resources, the Aquifer Protection District (APD) has contracted with a professional hydrogeologist to delineate Sensitive Aquifer Recharge Areas (SARAs). SARAs are defined as areas overlying the aquifer that are near surface water bodies and likely exhibit relatively high infiltration rates, shallow depth to water, and/or higher risk land use types.  

According to Idaho Health and Safety Statute, Title 39, Chapter 5, Section 39-501, the primary purpose of establishing the Aquifer Protection District as "protection of the state's economy, maintaining a water supply that does not require extensive treatment prior to human consumption or commercial use, avoiding the economic costs of remedial action, and protecting the well-being of communities that depend upon aquifers for essential human needs."

With the identification of SARAs and the collaborative efforts of local agencies, the APD is urging for a multi-faceted approach to mitigate contamination risks. These areas have also been identified in a GIS mapper tool as an overlay for future use by Kootenai County staff and other governmental entities such as Panhandle Health District and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality.

• View the Sensitive Aquifer Recharge Area (SARA) GIS Map Tool here.

 In keeping with our responsibility to ensure sustainable aquifer protection, and in consultation with Kootenai County, PHD, and IDEQ staff, this multi-faceted approach is strongly recommended to effectively protect the RPA from the introduction of contamination from the SARAs.  The lack of protection in these areas presents significant contamination risks to the RPA that must be addressed promptly to ensure the viability of the RPA now and into the future.