North Ada County Hydrogeologic Investigation

Introduction

The Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) is conducting a detailed investigation of North Ada County to obtain a better understanding of the hydrogeology of the area with respect to the ground water resources available for allocation. The project will result in a comprehensive report that summarizes the hydrogeology of North Ada County and provide a detailed water budget to be used in support of water management decisions in the area.

North Ada County is currently undergoing intense land and water resource development in an area that has been historically undeveloped and the ground water resources are not fully understood. Ground water is currently being sought as the water supply for the large development projects proposed in the area.

The North Ada County Hydrogeologic investigation is being conducted as one technical component to the Treasure Valley Comprehensive Aquifer Planning and Management Program (CAMP). The water management plan for the Treasure Valley will be designed to address water supply and demand issues looking out 50 years into the future. This investigation will provide the technical information to characterize the surface and ground water resources in the North Ada County portion of the Treasure Valley.

Funding for this project is based on the 2008 Legislature approval of House Bill 428 and House Bill 644 establishing the Statewide Comprehensive Aquifer Planning and Management Program (42-1779) and the Aquifer Planning and Management Fund (42-1780). The timeline for this project is from 2009 through 2012.

Purpose and Objectives

The purpose of this project is to provide a scientific foundation for management of the water resources in North Ada County. The study will result in the development of a comprehensive technical report of the ground water systems in North Ada County to be used in water management decisions of the area. Specific objectives include the following:

1. Aquifer Characterization - Delineate the extent and thickness, hydrogeologic properties, and hydrogeologic boundaries of the various aquifers in the area.
2. Hydrologic Data Collection – Develop a ground water monitoring network of existing wells, installation of long term monitoring wells, measure surface water gains or losses in the area, and determine current water usage and demand rates for the area.
3. Water Quality - Collect water quality samples to determine general water quality and potential recharge rates in the aquifers.
4. Public Involvement - Convey information about regional water resources and knowledge gained from the study to state and local decision-makers, the professional community, and the general public through published reports and public meetings.

Technical Working Group

Members

Meetings & Important Dates

Archived Meeting Documents

Water Right Orders & Applications

Orders

• Preliminary Order 63-32090 in the Name of the City of Eagle, ID
• Amendment of Permit No. 63-12448 in the Name of the City of Eagle, ID
• Application for Permit No. 63-32061 in the Name of Suncor Idaho, LLC

Applications