Our Gem

The Our Gem Coeur d’Alene Lake Collaborative is a team of committed and passionate professionals working to protect our local water resources. Participating entities include the University of Idaho Community Water Resource Center, Coeur d’Alene Tribe Lake Management Department, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, Kootenai Environmental Alliance, and CDA 2030.

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Our Gem Articles

Down The Drain: Household Wastewater Treatment Systems

| September 20, 2020 1:10 AM As we move into fall, it’s a good time to button up your place; whether it is a summer home or year-round residence. One often overlooked annual maintenance item is your wastewater treatment system. For many homes in the Coeur d’Alene...

How do roads affect watr quality?

How Do Roads Affect Water Quality? When you think of our beautiful lakes and rivers, you may not think about their relationship with roads. Many rural roads and driveways are constructed of nothing more than compacted native soils and if not properly managed, these...

Our Gem: How Safe is Your Drinking Water?

Our Gem: How safe is your drinking water? SharePrint | July 19, 2020 1:00 AM Protect your drinking water When should water be tested? Water testing Most people take clean drinking water for granted. We assume the water coming out of the faucet is safe. If you live in...

OUR GEM: Heavy metals in our watershed

The headwaters of the Coeur d’Alene Basin are essential to the success of mining, timber, agriculture, and hydropower industries. Mining activities along the South Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River have a significant influence on basin watershed conditions and on the...

Construction Ahead: Keep the Lake Clear

This story was written by the Our Gem Collaborative team for the CDA Press on Sunday, June 7, 2020. Read the original article. Everywhere you look new houses are going up, highways are full of work zones and lots are being cleared for new business. This construction...

Boating Best Practices

Better Boating for the Sake of the Lake This story was written by the Our Gem Collaborative team for the CDA Press on Sunday, May 24, 2020. Read the original article. North Idaho provides abundant recreational activities, which in the warmer months include...