Regulated Water Activity

Interactive map application hosted by the Idaho Department of Water Resources to view areas in Idaho where water activity is regulated under specific orders and agreements. Water Districts: Each active water district in Idaho has a watermaster who oversees water distribution within the district. Watermasters in Idaho are appointed by the director of IDWR but are elected and compensated directly by district water users. Proper water distribution under Idaho water law and the appropriation system is the primary goal and responsibility of all Idaho watermasters. Daily water distribution, record keeping, measurement and general district management are the primary duties of each watermaster. Ground Water Districts: The Idaho Legislature adopted the Groundwater District Act in 1995 which enables land owners holding groundwater irrigation rights to organize their own groundwater district pursuant to a local election authorized by a county commission. The creation and organization of a groundwater district is similar to that of an irrigation organization, and it has broader authorities than a water measurement district. The groundwater district can perform the measurement and reporting functions required by law and levy assessments. Additionally, the groundwater district may represent its members in various water use issues and related legal matters, develop and operate mitigation and recharge plans, and perform other duties as described under Idaho Code § 42-5224. Water Measurement Districts: In 1995, the Idaho Legislature passed Idaho Code § 42-706 that authorized IDWR's Director to create Water Measurement Districts to accomplish measurement and reporting of diversions outside of established water districts. Specific legislative intent was given to creating measurement districts as expeditiously as possible within the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer (ESPA). Trust and Non-Trust Areas: The flows at Swan Falls on the Snake River that are between the minimum flow of the Swan Falls agreement and the appropriated amount are held in trust by the state and may be subject to depletion by future beneficial upstream users. Rights to use water tributary to the Snake River above Milner Dam are not to be administered with rights to use water downstream from Milner Dam and are represented as the Non-Trust area of the agreement. Moratorium Areas: Areas where orders establishing, modifying, and rescinding water development have been established. Idaho Code § 42-1805(7) authorizes the Director to suspend the issuance or further action on applications to appropriate water as necessary to protect existing water rights. Further, IDAPA Rule 37.03.08.055 (Water Appropriation Rule 55) states that the Director may establish moratoriums, as necessary, to protect existing water rights. Wild and Scenic Watersheds: Watersheds administered pursuant to the Wild & Scenic Rivers stipulated agreement. This agreement applies only to a selected set of federally designated Wild & Scenic Rivers within the Snake River basin.