02/22/2026
South Boundary Fire District is providing a transparent update to the public regarding a recently approved water use agreement with Cabinet Mountain Water District (CMWD) governing the fire district’s access to hydrants for training, emergency response, and extended operations. The Board has agreed to sign this agreement once the formal final paperwork has been completed by CMWD’s attorney.
Over the last several years, CMWD has made it clear to the fire districts that continued access to hydrants would not be allowed unless an agreement was reached. Faced with the potential loss of hydrant access, the South Boundary Board of Commissioners approved the agreement in order to protect emergency response capabilities and public safety within the district.
Discussions regarding billing fire districts for hydrant maintenance began approximately in 2022. CMWD initially proposed a fee of $75 per hydrant in the district, per year, described as a “maintenance fee.” South Boundary Fire Protection District currently has 51 hydrants within its boundaries, which would have resulted in an annual cost of $3,825. Over the course of a proposed 10-year contract, this fee structure would have totaled approximately $38,250.
When the fire district requested documentation or records showing the actual costs associated with hydrant maintenance, CMWD was unable to provide maintenance records or cost justification for the proposed fee. Following these discussions, the charge was redefined by CMWD from a “maintenance fee” to an “access fee,” and later revised again to the current “usage fee.”
The initially proposed hydrant fee would have represented a significant impact to the district’s operating budget. By comparison:
-That annual amount is nearly the cost of a set of structural firefighting turnouts for one firefighter.
-It exceeds the district’s entire annual firefighter incentives budget, which is used to help recruit and retain volunteers.
-Over the proposed 10-year term, the total cost would have been comparable to what the district paid for its new to us rescue truck, and more than the cost of the district’s recently purchased extrication tools, both of which are critical pieces of life-saving equipment.
These comparisons are provided to help the public understand how water access fees directly affect frontline emergency services.
Under the agreement approved by the South Boundary Board of Commissioners, water used for training purposes and scheduled usage will be billed at the bulk water rate, plus a $50 hydrant hookup fee per event. Emergency fire responses and extended operational events will be billed at the bulk water rate, plus a $200 hydrant hookup fee per incident.
The current bulk water rate is a little over $6.00 per 1,000 gallons, though the district has been advised that this rate will likely increase in the future.
The Board approved this agreement because there was no viable alternative if the district wished to maintain hydrant access. Loss of access would have severely impacted fire suppression capabilities and placed the community at risk.
Maintaining hydrant access is also critical for district residents. Loss of recognized fire hydrant access could negatively affect homeowners insurance ratings, potentially resulting in higher premiums or loss of coverage eligibility for some properties.
Looking ahead, South Boundary Fire District remains committed to responsible water use, fiscal accountability, and transparency with the public. The district is actively exploring alternative water sources and long-term solutions to reduce reliance on any single system while ensuring continued protection for residents and businesses.
The district will continue to evaluate the operational and financial impacts of this agreement and advocate for arrangements that fairly recognize the essential role of fire protection services.
South Boundary Fire Protection District appreciates the continued trust and support of the community as it works to provide reliable emergency services under challenging circumstances.
For questions or additional information, please contact:
Chief Mike Vandecoevering
208-267-8052
[email protected]
The next Board of Commissioner’s meeting is Wednesday, March 11th at 6:00pm at South Boundary Fire’s Station 1. 20 Stagecoach Rd. Naples. As always, the public is welcome.
