Snake River Trust Curtailments Avoided For The Summer

Idaho farmers who rely on Snake River trust water rights are getting a break for the 2026 irrigation season.

On Thursday, Governor Brad Little said more than 4,000 water users who were warned they could face curtailments this summer will now avoid those cuts.  The move comes after Idaho Power agreed not to push for curtailment, while the state works to secure additional reservoir water if Snake River flows near Swan Falls drop below required levels.

For farmers already dealing with drought, water shortages, high production costs and weak crop prices, the decision removes the immediate threat of losing irrigation water during a critical growing season.

State officials will also begin looking at long-term solutions to protect river flows while providing more certainty for agriculture and other water users under the Swan Falls Agreement. 

Water users can track flows, review legal parameters, and see exact usage areas utilizing the Idaho Department of Water Resources Swan Falls Settlement Interactive Map.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-9791, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com