10/28/08 IDWR sends out 1,700 curtailment notices

Idaho Water Resources Director David Tuthill calls it a 'good faith effort.' He's just sent out 17 hundred letters to farmers, cities and junior water users warning them that their wells could be shut off next year if the state has a poor water year. TUTHILL "The potential for curtailment extends all the way up from Dubois on the northeastern portion of the aquifer all the way down to the Thousand Springs area." That covers most of the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer. Last year IDWR sent more than 27 hundred letters but improved reservoir storage meant fewer notices going out this year. TUTHILL "Now if this coming year is about an 85 percent year or better in terms of snowpack then likely a mitigation plan will not be needed by the groundwater users for the surface water call but as far as the Thousand Springs calls mitigation plans will be required." That replacement water from junior users for two Magic Valley trout farms can be provided in a number of different ways. Now, we wait to see if the snow will fall this winter and the spring runoff will be adequate. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott