BOISE — The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality has announced that it has awarded Malad City nearly $4 million to address leaking waterlines, upgrade and repair wells, loop watermains and purchase water rights.

The funding consisted of a $2,782,940 low-interest drinking water construction loan and $1,137,060 in legislative supplemental funding, according to a news release from the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, or Idaho DEQ.

The Idaho DEQ was authorized by the Idaho State Legislature to receive and distribute the legislative funding to construct drinking water infrastructure and improve wastewater systems per Idaho House Bill No. 455 sections 4 and 5 (2025).

The loan from Idaho DEQ’s State Revolving Loan Fund is capitalized by annual grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It carries a 2.75 percent interest rate and is payable over 20 years.

The favorable terms represent a $2,696,057 savings to the community when compared to the average costs for municipal general obligation debt services.