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

A Brief History of Wastewater Treatment in Coeur d’Alene

Over a century, the city added more than 200 miles of pipes and three levels of treatment to make our water clean. This story was written by Mike Anderson, superintendent of the City of Coeur d’Alene Wastewater Utility Department, in partnership with the Our Gem...

Is Your Boat Ready for Winter?

Finish the season strong with these steps for optimal protection of both your watercraft and our watershed. This story was written by the Our Gem Collaborative team for the CDA Press on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020. Read the original article. Each fall when the Bay Watchers...

Let’s Make It Clear: Clean Drinking Water Is A Community Responsibility

Let’s Make It Clear: Clean Drinking Water Is A Community Responsibility This story was written by the Our Gem Collaborative team for the CDA Press on Sunday, July 19, 2020. Read the original article. Most people take clean drinking water for granted. We assume the...

Help Prevent the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species

Nearly 300 mussel-fouled boats discovered across Idaho in the last decade This story was written by the Our Gem Collaborative team for the CDA Press on Sunday, Aug. 9, 2020. Read the original article. Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are plants, animals and other...

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 water 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...