Idaho Department of Environmental Quality

09/12/2026

This week, DEQ senior leadership staff toured a wastewater treatment facility, a drinking water treatment facility, and a landfill. DEQ issues permits to facilities like this across Idaho and oversees their operations to ensure they are operating safely.

Our leadership team also visited one of DEQ's air quality monitoring sites. DEQ maintains air quality monitoring equipment at sites statewide to track and deliver real-time air quality data to the public and ensure compliance with national air quality standards.

These tours connect us with the communities we serve and encapsulat our mission to protect human health and the quality of Idaho's air, land, and water. Learn more about what we do at https://www.deq.idaho.gov/

09/11/2026

A cyanobacteria health alert has been issued for Lake Cascade in Valley County. Cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms (HABs) pose a high risk to the health of pets and livestock and can cause illness in humans, especially small children.

Cyanobacteria are a natural part of Idaho’s waterbodies, but when conditions are right, they can multiply rapidly, or “bloom,” and release toxins into the water. Exposure to cyanotoxins through skin contact or ingestion can cause skin irritation, upset stomach, and more serious symptoms. Effects can be more serious in animals since they are more likely to drink the water.

Blooms don’t all look the same; they may look like mats, foam, spilled paint, or surface scum and have a foul odor. Use caution when recreating in and around water. When in doubt, stay out and keep pets out of the water.

Learn more about cyanobacteria blooms and how to report a potential bloom on the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality website at https://www.deq.idaho.gov/water-quality/surface-water/cyanobacteria-harmful-algal-blooms/

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Valley County Sheriff's Office
Valley County Idaho
City of Cascade
Central District Health
Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation
Lake Cascade State Park

09/11/2026

Join our team!🫡 DEQ has new job opportunities:

✅Air Quality Dispersion Modeling Analyst, Boise (closes Sept. 22): https://css-idaho-prd.tam.inforgov.com/hcm/Jobs/form/JobPosting%5BJobPostingSet%5D%28LUMA,26006,1%29.JobPostingDisplay?fromlist=JobPosting.JobSearchListSearchFormOnLeft&navigation=JobPosting%5BJobPostingSet%5D%28LUMA,26006,1%29.JobPostingDisplayNav&csk.JobBoard=STATEOFIDAHO&csk.HROrganization=LUMA

✅ Solid Waste Compliance Coordinator, Boise (closes Sept. 23): https://css-idaho-prd.tam.inforgov.com/hcm/Jobs/form/JobPosting%5BJobPostingSet%5D%28LUMA,26005,1%29.JobPostingDisplay?fromlist=JobPosting.JobSearchListSearchFormOnLeft&navigation=JobPosting%5BJobPostingSet%5D%28LUMA,26005,1%29.JobPostingDisplayNav&csk.JobBoard=STATEOFIDAHO&csk.HROrganization=LUMA

09/04/2026

A cyanobacteria health alert has been issued for Lake Walcott in Blaine County. Cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms (HABs) pose a high risk to the health of pets and livestock and can cause illness in humans, especially small children.

Cyanobacteria are a natural part of Idaho’s waterbodies, but when conditions are right, they can multiply rapidly, or “bloom,” and release toxins into the water. Exposure to cyanotoxins through skin contact or ingestion can cause skin irritation, upset stomach, and more serious symptoms. Effects can be more serious in animals since they are more likely to drink the water.

Blooms don’t all look the same; they may look like mats, foam, spilled paint, or surface scum and have a foul odor. Use caution when recreating in and around water. When in doubt, stay out and keep pets out of the water.

Learn more about cyanobacteria blooms and how to report a potential bloom on the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality website at https://www.deq.idaho.gov/water-quality/surface-water/cyanobacteria-harmful-algal-blooms/

Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation
Lake Walcott State Park
Blaine County Sheriff Idaho
Blaine County, Idaho
South Central Public Health District

09/04/2026

A cyanobacteria health advisory has been issued for Ririe Reservoir in Bonneville County. People and pets should stay out of the water. Cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms (HABs) pose a high risk to the health of pets and livestock and can cause illness in humans, especially small children.

Cyanobacteria are a natural part of Idaho’s waterbodies, but when conditions are right, they can multiply rapidly, or “bloom,” and release toxins into the water. Exposure to cyanotoxins through skin contact or ingestion can cause skin irritation, upset stomach, and more serious symptoms. Effects can be more serious in animals since they are more likely to drink the water.

Blooms don’t all look the same; they may look like mats, foam, spilled paint, or surface scum and have a foul odor. Use caution when recreating in and around water. When in doubt, stay out and keep pets out of the water.

Learn more about cyanobacteria blooms and how to report a potential bloom on the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality website at https://www.deq.idaho.gov/water-quality/surface-water/cyanobacteria-harmful-algal-blooms/

Bonneville County Sheriff's Office
Bonneville County Idaho
City of Idaho Falls
City of Ririe
Eastern Idaho Public Health
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare

09/04/2026

Join our team!🫡 DEQ is seeking a Budgets, General Ledger, and State Revolving Fund Manager. Apply by September 20: https://css-idaho-prd.tam.inforgov.com/hcm/Jobs/form/JobPosting%5BJobPostingSet%5D%28LUMA,25931,2%29.JobPostingDisplay?fromlist=JobPosting.JobSearchListSearchFormOnLeft&navigation=JobPosting%5BJobPostingSet%5D%28LUMA,25931,2%29.JobPostingDisplayNav&csk.JobBoard=STATEOFIDAHO&csk.HROrganization=LUMA

09/04/2026

So many reasons to love good air quality, one of them being the amazing views of the Spirit of Boise Balloon Festival!🙌

After a few rough weeks of wildfire smoke across the state this summer, air quality is in the green statewide and is forecast to be GOOD all weekend! Download the AIR Idaho app so you can admire how nice the air quality is right now and receive alerts when air quality isn't so good👍

REMINDER to take action to prevent wildfires and wildfire smoke while recreating this weekend:

🔥Never leave campfires or debris burns unattended.
🔥Avoid burning during windy conditions.
🔥Ensure campfires and hot coals are completely extinguished by drowning, stirring, and feeling for heat.
🔥Use spark arresters on equipment.
🔥Don’t drive or park on dry grass.
🔥Don’t let tow chains drag.
🔥Check for air quality-related burning restrictions using DEQ's Air Quality Advisory Map: https://www2.deq.idaho.gov/air/AQIPublic/Map/OutdoorBurn
🔥Check for Stage 1 or Stage 2 fire danger restrictions on the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) Fire Restrictions Finder: https://www.idl.idaho.gov/fire-management/fire-restrictions-finder/

09/01/2026

Join our team!🫡 DEQ has new job opportunities:

✅Senior Hazardous Waste Compliance Officer, Boise (closes September 6): https://css-idaho-prd.tam.inforgov.com/hcm/Jobs/form/JobPosting%5BJobPostingSet%5D%28LUMA,25503,1%29.JobPostingDisplay?fromlist=JobPosting.JobSearchListSearchFormOnLeft&navigation=JobPosting%5BJobPostingSet%5D%28LUMA,25503,1%29.JobPostingDisplayNav&csk.JobBoard=STATEOFIDAHO&csk.HROrganization=LUMA

✅ Air Quality Data Analyst, Boise (closes September 6): https://css-idaho-prd.tam.inforgov.com/hcm/Jobs/form/JobPosting%5BJobPostingSet%5D%28LUMA,25393,1%29.JobPostingDisplay?fromlist=JobPosting.JobSearchListSearchFormOnLeft&navigation=JobPosting%5BJobPostingSet%5D%28LUMA,25393,1%29.JobPostingDisplayNav&csk.JobBoard=STATEOFIDAHO&csk.HROrganization=LUMA

08/27/2026

‼️𝐂𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐚𝐥𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐬 (𝐜𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐇𝐀𝐁𝐬 𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐀𝐁𝐬) 𝐢𝐧 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐬‼️Cyanobacteria are a natural part of Idaho’s waterbodies, but when conditions are right, they can multiply rapidly, or “bloom,” and release toxins into the water. Exposure to cyanotoxins can be harmful to humans, but effects can be more serious in animals since they are more likely to drink the water, lick cyanobacteria from their fur, or eat toxic mats.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐝𝐨:

➡️Check for current waterbodies with cyanobacteria blooms at deq.idaho.gov/habs and keep animals away from these waterbodies.

➡️Do not let your pets swim in, play in, or drink any water that looks or smells strange, like it has foam or scum on the surface. These can be signs of cyanobacteria.

➡️If you find your pets playing in water that might have a cyanobacteria bloom, rinse them right away with soap and clean water. If your pet is experiencing symptoms, call your veterinarian.

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐝𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐭, 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐭!

Learn more about HABs, view current blooms, and report a potential bloom at deq.idaho.gov/habs

08/27/2026

FREE WELL WATER TESTING👇 Private well sampling is the responsibility of the well owner and helps you ensure your water is safe.

📍Melba Senior Center
🗓 September 10, 2026
🕣8:30 am - 2 pm

Bring a glass of fresh, cold water from your well. If you have filters, you can bring a raw sample and a post-filter sample to compare. Results are instantaneous.

📢 FREE WATER TESTING!📢

Melba area, mark your calendars for September 10th! IRWA and the City of Melba will be conducting free well water testing at the Melba Senior Center!

Idaho Department of Environmental Quality