Idaho Water Wars

Idaho Water Wars

David Sparks Ph.D.
David Sparks Ph.D.
Remember from yesterday, we said that on the Boise River system that feeds Idaho’s Treasure Valley, a water war is unfolding between water rights holders and the state agency that manages the precious resource. State water managers want to start counting flood control water releases that flow down river and out-of-state without any beneficial use by water rights holders as part of the annual allotment that users are provided by law. Legislators representing those users went to the State House to demand a halt to what they call an unjustified and unprovoked attempt by the state of Idaho to alter the system of Boise River water rights.

 Legislator Tom Daly called on the Idaho Department of Water Resources to stand down. “This is an important event that we are having here trying to accomplish two things. One, call to the attention of our electorate, every citizen in this Valley, the importance of this issue and, two, to ask the Department of Water Resources in the state of Idaho to stand down in what they are doing in trying to take away our water.”

 Treasure Valley irrigators believe flood control releases should not count against their stored water rights. State Sen. and attorney Jim Rice: "and now the Dir., a bureaucrat wants to take and overrule the courts of the state of Idaho. This issue is because he thinks he has more authority to decide the law than the courts do. He is wrong.”

 Users fear water supplies could be gone as early as June in some irrigation districts if the flushed water is included in the annual allotments. Dairy farmer Lou Murgoitio says that is not good for the entire Valley. “The amount of money that agriculture puts into the state coffers is huge. Let alone all the golf courses, all your lawns, all the housing developments that would run out of water. It is monumental losing that water.”

 The issue now appears to be headed to the courts and the legislative process for resolution.

Previous ReportChina Town in Idaho
Next ReportHonestly Organic