Groundwater Takes Center Stage In Boise

Idaho lawmakers are considering reforms to the state’s domestic use exemption in Idaho water law.  The Idaho Farm Bureau Federation’s Braden Jensen said Senate Bill 1083A, was developed by a water user workgroup, of which IFBF was a part.

“Currently, the state domestic water use, which allows for water use of one home and up to 1/2 an acre of irrigation, all not to exceed 13,000 gallons per day, is exempted from the water permitting process," Jensen noted.  "But with over 55,000 new exempt wells since 2004, that's more than 27,000 acres of unregulated irrigation, all of which are putting additional strain on our groundwater resources.”

Jansen noted that the state is seeing significant groundwater declines in several regions including the Eastern Snake River Plain, Mountain Home, the Wood River Valley and even portions of northern Idaho.  These declines Jensen said, have cost the state and water users millions of dollars.  If approved, Jensen said SB1083A would provide four key solutions: 

• Water Quality
• Fairness in Administration 
• Enforcement 
• And Clarity for Local Governments 

Will these efforts really help Idaho’s groundwater situation?   Jensen said yes.

"While domestic use only represents 2%-3% of Idaho's total water use usage, it has grown significantly over the past several decades, and needs to be part of the water management solutions.”

Jansen added he does not feel SB1083A would infringe on private property rights.  In fact, he says the bill will better protects the water rights of individuals statewide.

Click Here to learn more about SB 1083A.

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