Water Wars
It’s important to note that the current “Water Wars” in Eastern Idaho have been brewing since 1996. There are many entities involved (Farmers, INL, Idaho Power, Meta, etc) which all play vital roles in the health of the economy in Idaho and across our country. These different entities also give the opportunity for people to paint with a broad brush and choose “villains” in this conversation. Unfortunately, it’s not quite that simple! The good news is that this problem has a solution, and the more teamwork and collaboration that happens, the better the outcome will be for future generations of Idahoans!
Idaho is home to the Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer: Idaho’s largest aquifer, covering about 10,800 square miles (about the size of Lake Eyrie) in southern and eastern Idaho. It’s also one of the world’s largest and most productive aquifers! Between this aquifer and the abundant surface water that feed the Snake River, Idaho’s water is a world class resource that deserves the best stewardship that we can give.
We invite you to read the 1996 Snake River Agreement as well as the 2015 Water Plan, and the 2024 Water Outlook, check out some of the other links we’ve provided, ask questions, and come to your own conclusions!
More Resources
- Gem State Chronicle — What’s Going On With Our Water?
- Glenneda’s Substack — Lava Ridge vs Idaho Farmers
- Idaho State Water Plan (PDF)
- Idaho Water Supply Outlook Report — April 1, 2024 (PDF)
- EIWRC Board Meeting Minutes — Feb. 8, 2024 (PDF)
- Settlement Agreement Entered into June 30, 2015, Between Participating Members of the Surface Water Coalition and Participating Members of the Idaho Ground Water Appropriators, Inc. (PDF)