Moratoriums and Areas of Regulated Ground Water Development

View areas where the Director of the Idaho Department of Water Resources has issued a Moratorium Order on the development of new water rights, or has designated a Critical Ground Water Area or Ground Water Management Area. Moratorium Areas Moratorium orders restrict development in various geographic areas of the state. A moratorium affects issuance of permits to divert and use surface and/or ground water and is established to protect existing water rights. Groundwater Management Areas A Groundwater Management Area (GWMA) is all or part of a ground water basin that may be approaching the conditions of a Critical Groundwater Area (CGMA). Applications for new water appropriations may be approved only after it is determined that sufficient supply is available and other prior water rights will not be injured. The Director may require reporting of water use by water users within the area. See: Idaho Code § 42-233b, for more information on Groundwater Management Areas. Critical Groundwater Areas A Critical Ground Water Area (CGWA) is all or part of a ground water basin that does not have sufficient ground water to provide a reasonably safe supply for irrigation or other uses at the current or projected rates of withdrawal. The Director of IDWR can deny an application for a proposed use if the point of diversion lies within the designated area and may require water users to report diversions or other information. See: Idaho Code § 42-233a, for more information on Critical Groundwater Areas.