Karchar Wetlands Project

Karcher Constructed Wetlands Project — Presented by Tom Points

The Karcher Constructed Wetlands Project is a landmark nature-based initiative in Nampa designed to improve water quality, reduce toxic stormwater pollution, and enhance community resilience through an innovative constructed wetland system. This project — the first of its kind in Idaho — uses natural wetland processes combined with engineered design to capture and treat stormwater runoff before it enters local waterways such as Indian Creek and Mason Creek. Its goals include reducing contaminants of emerging concern (such as PFAS and other pollutants), filtering out toxins, and serving as a living laboratory for sustainable stormwater treatment that can be replicated throughout Canyon County. Funded in part by a $3.5 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Karcher Wetlands project also fosters public engagement, education, and long-term environmental stewardship in the region.

About the Presenter — Tom Points
Tom Points is the Senior Public Works Director for the City of Nampa, where he leads essential services including stormwater and water quality initiatives. With nearly three decades of engineering leadership experience, Tom has overseen infrastructure planning and implementation that integrates innovative, sustainable solutions for community challenges. In this project, he brings expertise in engineered water systems and collaborative public-sector problem-solving to the forefront as Nampa pioneers new approaches to urban water quality and resilience.