At approximately 4:00 a.m., on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, a rupture occurred to the City of Lewiston’s high reservoir located along 16th Avenue in Lewiston. This rupture caused approximately three-million gallons of water to be released from the reservoir and resulted in localized flooding.
City staff were notified of the incident and were on site immediately to secure and assess the situation. An incident command system was also promptly established. The cause of the rupture is currently being investigated.
A Boil Water Alert Order was established at roughly 7:00 a.m., and remains in effect until further notice. Once the order has been lifted, a notification will be released to the news media and posted on the City of Lewiston’s official website and social media platforms. The City of Lewiston is working to correct the situation, and will update the public as progress is made.
The City also asks that its customers practice conserving water as much as possible.
Mayor Daniel Johnson issued a Declaration of Local Disaster Emergency early this afternoon, which has been supported by the Nez Perce County Commissioners and is waiting for potential approval from the State of Idaho. This declaration, if approved by the Governor, allows the City to ask for assistance from higher levels of government if needed. Assistance can come in the form of financial resources, supplies, etc., only if the City may need it.
A water filling station has been established at the Lewiston Community Center, 1424 Main Street, Lewiston, Idaho, for City of Lewiston water customers that may be in need of clean drinking water. Residents will need to bring their own water containers to the water filling station. The station will be open until 8:00 p.m. today and will reopen from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., tomorrow, January 19, 2023.
If you have property damage due to the water that was released from the reservoir, please call 208-984-7096.
City staff have been working with other local agencies, medical facilities, etc., to keep them in the loop and assist with addressing their needs.