04/11/05 Water quality bills clear the legislature

We're all familiar with the Nez Perce Water agreement, which was ratified by the Idaho legislature, the governor and the tribal council. Idaho lawmakers also passed legislation aimed at resolving some of the eastern Snake aquifer issues. But this session also produced some important water quality legislation says Norm Semanko of the Idaho Water Users Association. SEMANKO "They clarified the role of the watershed advisory groups and the citizens that are involved in that to make sure they have a substantial role in setting the cleanup plans for the state." When its determined that certain uses in the river or water quality standards are not realistic and can't be achieved the legislature also provided a path to change that standard consistent with the Clean Water Act. The legislature is also promoting the use of available surface water supplies for new development in the state. SEMANKO "It makes sense to use the surface water where available for new subdivisions, parks, schools when the activity being conducted is irrigation that maintains recharge of the aquifer. It conserves the in-house water for culinary purposes." Semanko says on average he gives state senators and representatives high marks for their water legislation this year. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott