A Battle Is 'Brewing' In Boise Over Wastewater Bills

Local brewers are up in arms about proposed increases in wastewater connection fees. The new fees would raise the cost for breweries to dump their wastewater down the sewer by 35% every year over the next three years, beginning in fiscal year 2025.

The city argues that the fee increase ensures “growth pays for growth” rather than existing customers covering brewery expansions. The fees only cover the costs of services, and the city does not generate a profit from them.

Yet Idaho Brewers United and local breweries insist these fees will stifle growth or worse. “Some of the current proposals that have been out there will be detrimental to the brewing industry and will result in the closure of those businesses,” said Idaho Brewers United Executive Director Sheila Francis said at a recent public hearing.