10/19/06 Candidates surveyed on water issues

The Idaho Water Users Association has released the results of a candidate survey taken recently on water issues. Over 200 candidates were sent questionnaires, 82 responded to ten questions from IWUA. 80 percent of them support the water allocation of 'first in time, first in right' as opposed to water going to the 'highest or best use.' Here's what else the candidates said. 78% oppose dam breaching; 88% oppose increased flow augmentation; 87% support development of additional water storage projects such as reservoirs; 67% oppose additional protective river designations; 43% oppose minimum stream flows; 72% of the candidates support the continued use of pesticides to control weeds in and around canals, while 84% oppose additional restrictions on burning of weeds. Three of every four candidates oppose treating Idaho canals and drains as 'waters of the US.' The Idaho Water Users Association isn't releasing the answers from each individual who responded because the association is not endorsing any candidates in next month's election. The results, however, do show that the majority of candidates running for office pretty much support IWUA's stand on key water issues. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott