Southwest District Health

10/23/2026

⚠️ Power Outage Reported Near our Caldwell Location

A widespread power outage is currently affecting sections of Nampa & Caldwell in Canyon County. Our Caldwell location will be open during normal business hours starting at 8am today (Friday, October 23). Please be advised that some intersections near our location are still experiencing a power outage including Karcher & Indiana and Karcher & 10th. Officers are at some intersections directing traffic. ITD expects power to be restored around noon (12pm) today.

10/22/2026

‼️𝐂𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐚𝐥𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐬 (𝐜𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐇𝐀𝐁𝐬 𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐀𝐁𝐬) 𝐢𝐧 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐬‼️Cyanobacteria are a natural part of Idaho’s waterbodies, but when conditions are right, they can multiply rapidly, or “bloom,” and release toxins into the water. Exposure to cyanotoxins can be harmful to humans, but effects can be more serious in animals since they are more likely to drink the water, lick cyanobacteria from their fur, or eat toxic mats.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐝𝐨:

➡️Check for current waterbodies with cyanobacteria blooms at deq.idaho.gov/habs and keep animals away from these waterbodies.

➡️Do not let your pets swim in, play in, or drink any water that looks or smells strange, like it has foam or scum on the surface. These can be signs of cyanobacteria.

➡️If you find your pets playing in water that might have a cyanobacteria bloom, rinse them right away with soap and clean water. If your pet is experiencing symptoms, call your veterinarian.

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐝𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐭, 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐭!

Learn more about HABs, view current blooms, and report a potential bloom at deq.idaho.gov/habs

10/22/2026

It's Idaho SepticSmart Week!🙌 Many Idaho households are not served by public sewers and rely on septic systems to treat and dispose of wastewater. Proper operation and maintenance of septic systems help protect public health and Idaho's water quality.👍

How to properly maintain your septic system:

𝗟𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿, 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺.

➡️Large amounts of household cleaners or medications may disrupt the bacteria that break down sludge and provide wastewater treatment.

➡️Household garbage and personal care and hygiene products do not readily break down and may require more frequent septic tank pump-outs or cause clogging and premature failure.

𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗹𝘆; 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝘄𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗵𝘆𝗱𝗿𝗮𝘂𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗳𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱.

➡️Use water-efficient appliances and toilets
➡️Install low-flow showerheads
➡️Repair toilet and faucet leaks
➡️Run the dishwasher only when full
➡️Spread laundry loads over several days

𝗣𝘂𝗺𝗽 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆:

➡️Septic tanks should be pumped periodically by a permitted septic tank pumper, generally every 3 to 5 years.

➡️Septic system owners should inspect their tanks annually to ensure that the inlet and outlet baffles are in place, effluent filters are clean, and sludge occupies less than 40% of the tank’s liquid capacity. If sludge levels approach or exceed 40% of the tank’s liquid capacity, the tank should be pumped.

➡️Some septic systems may include a second tank containing a pump, pump controls, and screens. These tanks should also be inspected annually to ensure that the pumps, controls, and alarms are functioning properly and that filters and screens are clean.

𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝗳𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗲, 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗮 𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲.

➡️Surfacing sewage or wet areas in the drainfield
➡️Plumbing or septic tank backups
➡️Slow-draining fixtures
➡️Gurgling sounds in the plumbing system
➡️Sewage odors in the house or yard
➡️Tests showing the presence of bacteria in well water

Learn more at: https://www.deq.idaho.gov/water-quality/wastewater/septic-and-septage/

10/22/2026

A cyanobacteria health alert has been issued for Lake Lowell in Canyon County. Cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms (HABs) pose a high risk to the health of pets and livestock and can cause illness in humans, especially small children.

Cyanobacteria are a natural part of Idaho’s waterbodies, but when conditions are right, they can multiply rapidly, or “bloom,” and release toxins into the water. Exposure to cyanotoxins through skin contact or ingestion can cause skin irritation, upset stomach, and more serious symptoms. Effects can be more serious in animals since they are more likely to drink the water.

Blooms don’t all look the same; they may look like mats, foam, spilled paint, or surface scum and have a foul odor. Use caution when recreating in and around water. When in doubt, stay out and keep pets out of the water.

Learn more about cyanobacteria blooms and how to report a potential bloom on the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality website at https://www.deq.idaho.gov/water-quality/surface-water/cyanobacteria-harmful-algal-blooms/

10/22/2026

¡Padres y miembros de la comunidad!
Acompáñennos en un evento gratuito e interactivo para explorar los resultados de la Encuesta sobre el Bienestar Juvenil de Idaho (Idaho Youth Well-being Survey) correspondientes a los adolescentes de Nampa y para conocer cómo podemos ayudarles a prosperar.

¡Ofreceremos refrigerios ligeros y servicios de traducción al español!

Cuándo: 27 de octubre, 5:00 p. m. – 7:00 p. m.
Dónde: Northwest Nazarene University

Si está interesado en asistir, confirme su asistencia en: https://bit.ly/Nampa_RSVP

¡Trabajemos juntos para hacer de Nampa la mejor comunidad posible para los jóvenes!

10/22/2026

Parents and community members!
Join us for a free, interactive event to explore the Idaho Youth Well-being Survey results for Nampa teens and learn how we can help them thrive. We will be providing light refreshments and Spanish translation services!

When: October 27th, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Where: Northwest Nazarene University

If you are interested in attending, please RSVP at: https://bit.ly/Nampa_RSVP
Let’s work together to make Nampa the best possible community for youth!

10/21/2026

Rabies is rare, but it is a serious disease that is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear. The good news? It can be prevented with prompt medical care after an exposure.

Swipe through to learn:
🦇 How rabies spreads
⚠️ What to do after a possible exposure
🐾 How to protect your pets
🐇 Signs of a potentially rabid animal
📞 When to contact Southwest District Health

In Idaho, bats are the primary source of rabies exposure, making it especially important to know what to do if you encounter one.

📞 Questions about rabies or a potential exposure? Contact SWDH at 208-455-5442.

10/21/2026

Good health starts with having access to care. 💙

Open Enrollment for 2027 health insurance coverage is officially underway through Your Health Idaho. Whether you're shopping for a new plan or reviewing your current coverage, now is a great time to make sure you have the care and coverage you need.

⏰ Open Enrollment: October 15 - December 15

Open Enrollment is here! Starting today, you can enroll in a health insurance plan for 2027 coverage through Your Health Idaho. Open Enrollment runs from October 15 to December 15. Don’t miss your chance to find a plan that fits your lifestyle for 2027! https://yourhealthidaho.org/

10/21/2026

Central District Health is warning residents about reported sightings of Death Cap mushrooms in the Treasure Valley. These mushrooms can be highly toxic and may be mistaken for edible varieties.

If you spot mushrooms in your yard, neighborhood, or local park, keep kids and pets away and avoid handling or consuming them unless they can be positively identified.

Central District Health is urging residents to avoid mushrooms found in Boise and Garden City, in yards, parks, and other landscaped areas. Death Cap mushrooms were reported in several locations, including along the Boise Greenbelt.

Death Caps are among the world's deadliest mushrooms. They can resemble edible mushrooms, and their toxins are not destroyed by cooking, freezing, or drying. Don't eat mushrooms you can't positively identify. Keep an eye on kids and keep pets away from mushrooms. Dogs especially are at risk.

To read the full release, visit https://myemail.constantcontact.com/CDH-issues-warning-about-Death-Cap-Mushrooms.html?soid=1142079841634&aid=MEueCKsGybk

10/20/2026

🚔💊 Medication Take-Back Day is this Saturday!

Safely dispose of unused or expired medications with the 1P Kids Succeed Coalition and the Payette County Sheriff. Stop by the Payette City Fire Department on October 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and help keep our community safe.