HAYDEN - An estimated 5,000 to 10,000 gallons of treated wastewater was accidentally released Tuesday in Hayden when a valve failed, according to the Hayden Area Regional Sewer Board.

The reuse water was headed for irrigation of a tree farm and crops off Lancaster and Boekel before it leaked out for a couple hours south of Wyoming on North Huetter Road, said administrator Ken Windram.

No cleanup was necessary, there is no threat to public health, and the valve has been fixed, Windram said.

HARSB had a similar, but larger, accidental water release about a year ago. An estimated 100,000 gallons of reuse water spilled underground on Sept. 9 after a fitting connecting two pipes broke.

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality required the sewer board to have a hydrogeological study done to determine if there was any impact to public health or ground water.

The study indicated there was no impact, Windram said.

Based on those study results, it is believed this much smaller release of treated wastewater is not a threat to the environment, he said.

The Hayden Area Regional Sewer Board oversees sewer service to the city of Hayden, the Coeur d'Alene airport, and the Hayden Lake Recreational Water and Sewer District.