SB 1083A Clears Idaho Senate

Last week, the Idaho state Senate passed Senate Bill 1083A, moving the legislation to the House Resources Committee to possibly be considered this week.  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.

SB 1083A cleared the Senate last week with 32 voting in favor of the legislation, one against, and two senators abstaining.

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