ID SCR137

Idaho Water Resource Board shall address statewide aquifer stabilization and sustainability projects including managed recharge to promote groundwater sustainability across the state.

Board shall conduct aquifer recharge studies and develop a groundwater model with measurement networks for the Treasure Valley Aquifer, where water levels are declining despite predicted significant population growth over the next 50 years.

Board shall partner with local entities to find alternate water supplies for Mountain Home (currently over-drafted by approximately 30,000 acre-feet per year) and for the Palouse Basin where the deep aquifer has been declining for many decades.

Board shall participate in discussions with surface water users, groundwater users, and other parties in the Big and Little Wood River Basins to resolve water delivery calls alleging senior water rights have been injured by junior-priority groundwater pumping.

Board shall undertake studies of the deep regional aquifer in the Lewiston area to define its geographic extent and sustainable yield, and evaluate other declining aquifers across the state (Big Lost, Raft River, Malad) to take necessary management actions.