ID H0371

Director of the Department of Water Resources may order water right holders in critical ground water areas to cease or reduce withdrawals on a time priority basis when ground water supply is insufficient to meet demands.

Orders must be issued before September 1 and become effective for the growing season in the following year.

Water right holders participating in an approved ground water management plan are exempt from time priority basis administration as long as they comply with the plan.

Director may require applicants proposing to withdraw more than 10,000 acre-feet per year to undertake recharge efforts to offset adverse effects on existing water rights and pumping levels.

Applicants dissatisfied with director decisions may appeal to district court under section 42-237e, Idaho Code.