About Water Rights

What is a Water Right?

A water right is authorization to use water in a prescribed manner, not to own the water itself. Without diversion and beneficial use , there is no water right.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a water right?

What are the types of water rights and how do I establish one?

Can a water right be changed?

How do I transfer a water right?

What is a claim?

How do I find a certified water right examiner?

How does the application process for a water right work?

Water Right Search

Search through Snake River Basin Adjudication (SRBA) claims and other water rights. Use the text-based search for non-SRBA rights.

• Water Right Research Using the Internet Brochure

• Text-Based Search
• Parcel/Address-Based Search
• Map-Based Search
• Status Check for Applications

New Listings

*Listings prior to January 1, 2001.

Included: Applications ready for publication or formerly published.
Not Included: Approved, denied, and withdrawn applications.

• New Applications - Search for applications for permit, applications for amendment, and statutory claims posted in the past 30 days;
• New Transfers - NOTE: Water Resources has revised our internal Transfers program effective December 8, 2012. Existing Transfers are being re-entered. Please check each day for the latest Transfers information.
• Advanced Search - Find information about specific new water right listings.

Federal Wild & Scenic Rivers - Find new water right filing information and data related to the Wild & Scenic Rivers area.

Moratorium Orders Issued by IDWR - Applications undergoing review by IDWR or being held without action (due to moratorium or administrative action).

Questions/Comments?

We welcome feedback about the New Listings Search.

• Email our development team