Little Signs Groundwater Legislation

Last week, the Idaho State House passed Senate Bill 1083 A.  The legislation looks to address declining groundwater levels in several areas of the state, which has cost water users and the state tens of millions of dollars.  Senate Bill 1083 A proposes four key changes:  

• Fairness in Administration – The bill specifies that new subdivisions in areas of the state designated as Ground Water Management Areas, Critical Ground Water Areas, or Moratorium Areas, the domestic use exemption will only apply to in-home and livestock uses. In these areas, any irrigation or other uses would require an Application for Permit through IDWR, including possible mitigation, and will be subject to administration. Outside of these areas, the domestic use exemption will remain as it is currently authorized.
• Protecting Water Quality – The legislation allows for shared domestic wells amongst multiple users for their in-home use to reduce contamination risks to Idaho’s aquifers. Historically, separate wells were required for each use. 
• Strengthening Enforcement – S1083A implements a streamlined process to ensure compliance with the domestic water use laws.
• Clarifying Local Government Authority – The bill ensures existing water rights remain with the land to address any irrigation needs. S1083A also allows water supply information to be considered in development planning. 

"The bill will update Idaho's domestic use exemption and water law, helping to address groundwater challenges while improving fairness, water quality protections and enforcement," noted Dex Lake with the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation.  "This bill represents a much-needed update to water management in the Gem state.” 

Governor Brad Little signed the legislation into law on Thursday.  Lake noted the legislation represents more than three years of hard work led by the Idaho Water Users Association.

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