They are appearing across Kootenai County - stormwater disks reminding the public that fluids flowing into drywells, catch basins and grassy swales eventually mix into our drinking water.

The cities of Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls, in cooperation with Kootenai County, have invested a total of $2,000 on the disks to remind the public not to dump tainted liquids.

"It all ends up in the aquifer - the area's sole source of drinking water - so maintaining high water quality is of prime importance," said Jim Markley, Coeur d'Alene water superintendent.

John Beacham, Post Falls environmental manager, said the cities invested both time and money to install the disks.

Funds for the disks were provided by the Aquifer Protection District, whose purpose is to protect groundwater quality. Residents who live above the aquifer are assessed an annual $6 fee that goes to the APD.

Markley said the disks will last 10 to 20 years, much longer than the painted stencil warnings, which faded in a couple years. There are three different disks - one warning of polluting the aquifer, another for the Spokane River and the third for Lake Coeur d'Alene.

In Coeur d'Alene, disks inform the public that liquids drain into the lake. In Post Falls they warn of potential harm to the river. And in both communities where grassy swales are used, the disks remind people that liquids will eventually flow into the aquifer.

Disks in Coeur d'Alene can be seen in the downtown area. In Post Falls, they have been installed along the main drainage areas of Seltice Way and Spokane Street.