ID HCR022

Directs the Idaho Department of Water Resources to manage the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer in a manner that protects senior water users' interests, minimizes curtailments, and provides predictability and stability while securing optimum use of Idaho's water resources.

Affirms that Idaho's prior appropriation doctrine should apply both principles of "first in time is first in right" and maximum beneficial use without blocking full economic development of groundwater resources.

Acknowledges that drought combined with changes in water use practices has reduced spring flows and created severe conflict, with threatened curtailments causing instability and economic harm to Idaho's agricultural economy, businesses, and communities.

Directs IDWR to optimize available water supply through increased storage capacity, modern technology, geologic research, targeted recharge, and infrastructure projects that enhance drought resilience and flood control via conjunctive management of water resources.

Requires management strategies to keep as much farmland in production and as many businesses in operation as possible while maintaining priority right administration.