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Idaho Division of Building Safety Revises Policy On Submersible Lake Pumps


March 10,2016

Today the Idaho Division of Building Safety has revised their policy to allow the continued use of submersible lake pumps. If you have been following this issue you know that on February 12, 2016 DBS announced a policy prohibiting the use of submersible well pumps in lakes and rivers. (See my original post here.) Community opposition to this policy was substantial and new legislation was considered that would have provided relief for submersible pump installations. Last week the Idaho Electrical Board announced that it would oppose this legislation. A special board meeting was held on Monday to address the issue. The outcome of this meeting was a revised policy providing installation requirements for the continued use of submersible lake pumps. This guidance will remain in effect until new rules can be crafted through a negotiated rule making process. However, the policy does have an expiration date of June 30, 2018.

View the revised policy here.

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9 comment(s)
Scott Jessick (Store Admin) (Post Author) March 17, 2016 1:55 PM reply

In the course of discussions about how to implement this new policy it has become apparent that an acceptable solution can not be found within the constraints of the NEC. The Idaho Division of Building Safety has come to the conclusion that "...a legislative initiative is not only justified, but imperative to a successful effort to develop a comprehensive, safe, and workable framework for providing water to property owners and communities around lakes, streams, rivers, and ponds in Idaho. DBS and the board need the leeway afforded by the legislation to be able to negotiate this effective solution." For this reason House Bill 615 has been introduced and may be heard as soon as tomorrow (3/18). The Electrical Board has called a special meeting for this afternoon Thursday, March 17, 2016 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. (MDT) to discuss and take position on the proposed legislation. It is anticipated that the board will join DBS in supporting the legislation.

View House Bill 615 here.

9 comment(s)
Scott Jessick (Store Admin) (Post Author) March 23, 2016 12:35 PM reply
House Bill 615 was heard in committee this morning and appears to be on track to be passed this legislative session.
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Scott Jessick (Store Admin) (Post Author) March 24, 2016 10:32 PM reply
House Bill 643 (as it is now known) was introduced yesterday and passed both the House and Senate today unanimously. It is now headed for the governor's desk and will be effective upon signing. This should pave the way for negotiated rule making and allow continued use of submersible pumps in Idaho lakes and rivers.
9 comment(s)
Scott Jessick (Store Admin) (Post Author) April 6, 2016 3:44 PM reply

House Bill 643 was signed in to law yesterday and today the Idaho Division of Building Safety has issued a new policy on lake pump installations. The new policy allows continued use of the methods traditionally used with two additional safeguards:

1. The pump must be listed and labeled in compliance with UL Standard 778.

2. Ground fault protection must be provided for the pump and wiring.

Click here for the complete policy.

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