About Our Water

Water Sources

City of Ketchum municipal water originates from six wells that vary in depth from 35 to 110 feet deep.  Five of these wells are located in close proximity to the Big Wood River and pump water from the Big Wood aquifer.  The remaining sixth well is located near Sun Valley Resort and pumps water from the Trail Creek aquifer.  Water pumped from these wells is treated with a light dose of chlorine to sanitize the drinking water against microbial contaminants.  

Water is pumped into storage reservoirs daily, with a total capacity of 3 million gallons available for domestic, irrigation and fire protection needs.

All well and reservoir sites are monitored and controlled electronically for flow, pressure and other parameters to ensure efficient and reliable operation.

Water Conservation Schedule

All City water customers are required to comply with Water Conservation Ordinance Number 587 restricting lawn watering as follows:

The sprinkling or watering of outdoor plantings such as grass, lawns, gardens, ground cover, shrubbery, trees or other landscaping shall be prohibited between the hours of 10:00 am and 5:00 pm daily, during the annual time period beginning June 15 and ending September 1.  

Exceptions may apply if you are using drip or bubbler style irrigation systems, or if you have new plantings, contact the Utilities Department office at 208.726.7825 to receive an exemption.

Commercial nurseries are specifically excluded from the prohibitions and restrictions of this ordinance.