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News Releases

The following press releases were issued by the Idaho Department of Water Resources and the Idaho Water Resource Board.

NumberDatePress Release
2026-06June 2, 2026IDWR sends early notice to Snake River water users with Trust Water Rights, indicating that minimum flows at Murphy may drop below 3,900 cfs this summer, potentially leading to curtailment action
2026-05April 2, 2026Idaho producers see strong benefits in signing up for CREP to reduce impacts on ESPA; enrollees get paid annual rental rates for idled farmland
2026-04March 20, 2026IDWR Director places five-year moratorium on processing any new, or pending applications for groundwater rights in Southern Canyon County area
2026-03March 2, 2026IDWR agents will be reaching out to groundwater users in the lower Big Lost, Little Lost River Basins this spring to check on compliance with current curtailment
2026-02February 4, 2026Water users take note: IDWR new orders expand the impact of the SWC delivery call into the Little Lost, Big Lost and Raft River tributary basins
2026-01January 26, 2026IWRB approves $10M loan to Magic Valley GWD for soft conversion project, four ESPA recharge projects in E. Idaho
2025-25November 26, 2025IDWR issues 2025 end-of-season Methodology Order, finding 86,756 acre-foot shortfall
2025-24November 25, 2025IWRB approves 38 Aging Infrastructure Grants for $22.9M FINAL
2025-23November 4, 2025IWRB approves 20 Telemetry and Monitoring grants for $1.25 million; opens application period for Supplemental Flood Management Grants
2025-22September 16, 2025IWRB approves three major projects to improve Snake River water management
2025-21September 12, 2025IDWR agents work to bring 743 water users into compliance with July Methodology Order; existing curtailment, mitigation activities expected to cover shortfall identified in September order
2025-20September 5, 2025Ruling in water rights case reinforces new mitigation plans, protects farmers
2025-19August 11, 2025Notice of Intent: Twin Falls Canal Company
2025-18July 28, 2025IWRB approves eight flood grant projects statewide
2025-17July 28, 2025IWRB funds groundwater and surface water projects at Idaho Falls meeting
2025-16July 25, 2025IDWR issues updated curtailment order for junior groundwater users with priority dates junior to October 11, 1900
2025-15July 10, 2025IDWR finds 75,300 acre-foot shortfall of water in July 2025 Methodology Order; Junior groundwater users encouraged to join an approved, compliant mitigation plan
2025-14June 23, 2025The Idaho Water Resource Board opens application period for multiple grant programs to assist farmers with 2024 Water Settlement Agreement
2025-13June 4, 2025Applications for State Flood Management Grants due Friday
2025-12April 25, 2025IWRB invites applications for 2025 state flood management grants
2025-11April 16, 2025IDWR finds 63,000 acre-foot shortfall of water in April 2025 Methodology Order; Director applauds farmers who are in compliance with mitigation plans
2025-10April 10, 2025Hearing on petition to commence the Kootenai River Basin Adjudication rescheduled for July 15, 2025
2025-09March 25, 2025IWRB removes pause on ESPA recharge wells
2025-08March 17, 2025IDWR to hold five public hearings March 24-26 in E. Idaho to get feedback on adding tributary basins to ESPA Area of Common Groundwater Supply
2025-07February 28, 2025Hydraulic leak quickly contained at Dworshak and Clearwater fish hatchery
2025-06February 24, 2025IDWR to host public information meeting March 5th in Driggs to initiate the process of creating a water district in the Teton Basin
2025-05February 19, 2025IWRB receives updates on ESPA recharge process of approval for ESPA injection wells
2025-04February 4, 2025Idaho Water Board opens applications for telemetry and monitoring grants
2025-03February 4, 2025Idaho Water Resource Board approves Phase 2 funding for Treasure Valley Water Supply Project
2025-02January 22, 2025IDWR reminds water users in Upper Salmon River Basin #75 to install water-measuring devices before 2025 irrigation season begins
2025-01January 22, 2025IWRB hears updates on ESPA recharge and cloud seeding
2024-26December 17, 2024Idaho Water Board funds 11 new groundwater to surface water conversion projects
2024-25December 13, 2024IDWR restores digital water records following a server crash in 2023
2024-24December 6, 2024IDWR Director issues end of irrigation season Methodology Order Step 9
2024-23November 25, 2024Idaho Water Resource Board tours New York Canal rehabilitation project
2024-22September 18, 2024Notice of Intent: Lewiston Orchards Irrigation District
2024-21September 18, 2024Notice of Intent: Boise Project Board of Control
2024-20September 17, 2024IWRB approves funds for Aging Infrastructure Grants new ESPA recharge sites
2024-19September 5, 2024New grants to fund conversion of groundwater irrigation to surface water
2024-18August 9, 2024ESPA gains 800,000 acre feet of water from Spring 2023 to 2024
2024-17July 31, 2024IWRB eyes adding water supply in Bear River Basin
2024-16July 29, 2024Press release on flood grant awards and new grant program
2024-15June 26, 2024Applications due Aug 2 for Aging Infrastructure Grants for water projects
2024-14June 20, 2024SWC, ESPA ground water districts reach settlement agreement, avoid curtailment in 2024
2024-13June 13, 2024Director Weaver pauses water right curtailment compliance inspections
2024-12June 6, 2024Two Magic Valley-area ground water districts move to comply with approved mitigation plans and avoid curtailment
2024-11June 4, 2024Idaho Water Resource Board recharges 379000 acre feet of water into the ESPA
2024-10May 30, 2024IDWR Director issues curtailment order for six ESPA groundwater districts; order affects groundwater users whose water rights are junior to March 31, 1954
2024-09May 28, 2024IWRB officials pleased to see construction work wrapping up on Priest Lake outlet dam, providing more flexibility in lake management
2024-08May 14, 2024More water needed for Idaho Water Supply Bank
2024-07May 10, 2024IDWR Director finds ESPA ground water districts' mitigation plans deficient in addressing water shortfall; ground water users have a week to resolve issue
2024-06May 1, 2024IWRB invites applications for 2024 state flood management grants
2024-05April 19, 2024IDWR finds 74,000 acre-foot shortfall in April 2024 Methodology Order; Junior groundwater users could face potential curtailment
2024-04April 4, 2024IDWR assigning Water Resource Agent in Bonners Ferry beginning in mid-April to assist with wide range of water-related matters
2024-05April 3, 2024IWRB officials highlight passage of two bills by Idaho Legislature
2024-04March 27, 2024IDWR sending 1,600 notices to water users in Basin 13 for filing water rights claims in the Bear River Basin Adjudication
2024-03January 23, 2024Idaho Water Resource Board approves 18 new Aging Infrastructure Grants for $7.7M
2024-02January 17, 2024IDWR to host public information meetings Jan. 23-24 on the Bear River Basin Adjudication
2024-01January 10, 2024Clark Fork - Pend Oreille River Basin Adjudication is proceeding on schedule; next deadline for filing claims is in Summer 2024
2023-22November 20, 2023Idaho Water Board approves 19 new Aging Infrastructure Grants for $11M
2023-21October 26, 2023Applications due Dec 1 for Aging Infrastructure Grants
2023-20September 21, 2023Idaho Water Board member testifies on drought and water policy
2023-19September 18, 2023Idaho Water Board tours Lemhi water projects in Salmon
2023-18July 28, 2023Governors Water Summit to provide snapshot of key water issues statewide
2023-17July 28, 2023Idaho Water Board approves 10 flood management grants for $1M statewide
2023-16July 24, 2023Idaho Water Board approves $59 M
2023-15July 20, 2023IDWR Director: Updated July methodology order finds no injury to senior or junior water users in 2023 irrigation season
2023-14July 5, 2023Idaho Water Summit to be held Aug
2023-13May 24, 2023Reclamation officials provide updated costs for Anderson Ranch enlargement
2023-12May 8, 2023IDWR creates final management plan for Grand View-Bruneau Ground Water Management Area
2023-11May 4, 2023Treasure Valley Ground Water Flow Model has been completed
2023-10April 25, 2023IDWR updates Methodology for predicting Snake River shortfalls
2023-09April 19, 2023IDWR to host public workshops in Montpelier to assist with water rights claims in the Bear River Basin Adjudication
2023-08April 11, 2023IWRB invites applications for 2023 state flood management grants
2023-07April 4, 2023Idaho Water Board approves updates in Lemhi Basin Settlement Agreement
2023-06April 4, 2023Idaho Legislature approves new Water Board appointments
2023-05April 3, 2023Flood 10 completes flood management project in Middleton
2023-04April 3, 2023Idaho Water Board approves $1.7M for new aquifer recharge site
2023-03March 28, 2023IDWR to host public workshops in Sandpoint to assist with filing water rights claims
2023-02January 24, 2023Idaho Water Board approves 18 Aging Infrastructure Grants
2023-01January 19, 2023Many reasons to count our blessings in 2023
2022-26December 16, 2022Clark Fork Pend Oreille adjudication is continuing on schedule
2022-25November 28, 2022IDWR to host public meeting on proposed management plan for Grand View-Bruneau Ground Water Management Area
2022-24November 22, 2022Idaho Water Board approves loans for water projects
2022-23November 8, 2022Public meetings coming up on Bear River Basin Adjudication in Montpelier
2022-22November 7, 2022IDWR Extends Temporary Moratorium in the Malad Valley Ground Water Management Area
2022-21November 3, 2022IWRB application period for 2nd round of aging infrastructure grants
2022-20October 21, 2022Snake River Basin Moratorium Order
2022-19September 20, 2022Idaho Water Board approves ARPA funds for multiple projects
2022-18September 19, 2022Wood River water users meet terms of GWMA plan in first year
2022-17September 9, 2022Idaho Water Board extends public comment period on criteria for Regional Water Projects
2022-16July 26, 2022Idaho Water Board tours Mountain Home water projects
2022-15July 25, 2022Idaho Water Board approves 10 flood management grants statewide
2022-14July 21, 2022IDWR mid-season methodology order predicts 52,600 acre-foot water shortfall for Snake River; junior ground water users face curtailment
2022-13June 15, 2022IWRB opens application period for new aging infrastructure grant program
2022-12May 23, 2022Northern Idaho region seeing major uptick in water activity
2022-11May 6, 2022IDWR order predicts 162,600 acre foot water shortfall on Snake River; junior ground water users face curtailment by May 20
2022-10April 29, 2022IDWR Director issues Emergency Drought Declaration for 34 counties in Southern Idaho
2022-09April 25, 2022IWRB invites applications for 2022 state flood management grants
2022-08April 20, 2022Idaho Water Board seeks feedback on funding criteria
2022-07April 20, 2022IDWR to host public workshops to assist with water rights claims
2022-06March 31, 2022Public Lands Foundation presents national stewardship award to Wesley Hipke
2022-05March 29, 2022Water Right Delivery Call filed by Beer family on natural spring
2022-04March 14, 2022IDWR to host public meeting on proposed management plan for Big Wood River Ground Water Management Area
2022-03March 7, 2022Idaho Legislature approves new IWRB appointments
2022-02January 24, 2022Idaho Water Board selects three major water projects to finance with ARPA funds
2022-01January 24, 2022Surface and ground water users agree to terms in Big Wood GWMA discussions
2021-15November 29, 2021Clark Fork-Pend Oreille River Basin Adjudication is under way, on schedule
2021-14November 29, 2021Board inks contract with Reclamation for Anderson Ranch project
2021-13September 20, 2021Priest Lake locals praise the Board for collaborative project
2021-12September 7, 2021IDWR sending out commencement notices for Clark Fork - Pend Oreille adjudication
2021-11July 27, 2021IWRB details $843 million list of major water infrastructure projects needed statewide
2021-10July 27, 2021IWRB approves 10 flood-management grants, approves funds to explore changes in management of Ririe Reservoir
2021-09July 22, 2021IDWR updated methodology order predicts 170,000 acre-foot water shortfall for Snake River, junior ground water users face curtailment if they're not part of a mitigation plan
2021-08June 28, 2021IDWR Director issues curtailment order to 140 junior ground water users in the Bellevue triangle area in the Wood River Basin
2021-07May 26, 2021IDWR sends curtailment notices to 129 water users with junior water rights
2021-06May 25, 2021Idaho Water Resource Board and Bureau of Reclamation to work on project design as next step for 6-foot raise of Anderson Ranch Dam
2021-05May 7, 2021Snake River SWC requests IDWR to administer surface water rights in the Portneuf River Basin in sync with Snake River water rights
2021-04May 5, 2021IDWR Director initiates administrative proceeding on water rights in the Wood River Basin, Bellevue triangle area in particular
2021-03April 30, 2021IDWR issues order to Snake Plain water users for 2021 irrigation season, predicting 40,500 acre-foot water shortfall; junior GW users may be affected
2021-02March 22, 2021Idaho Water Resource Board approves priorities for allocating $70M in major water infrastructure projects statewide
2021-01January 25, 2021Idaho Water Resource Board takes key steps toward raising Anderson Ranch Dam to create additional storage water
2020-12November 24, 2020Idaho Water Resource Board agrees not to divert 200 cfs
at Milner Dam, leaving water in the river for hydropower and other uses
2020-11November 20, 2020State of Idaho files petition to launch Bear River Basin Adjudication;
up to 14,000 water rights claims may be filed
2020-10November 2, 2020IDWR to host first Big Wood GWMA Advisory Committee meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 4 in Shoshone
2020-09October 23, 2020State of Idaho files petition to launch Clark Fork-Pend Oreille River Basins Adjudication; up to 9,000 water rights claims may be filed
2020-08October 15, 2020Idaho Water Resource Board approves plan to build embankment at MP 31 recharge site to prevent water from affecting BLM road, fence
2020-07September 4, 2020Malad ground water users encouraged to join application for BOR WaterSmart grant to help cover costs for flow meters
2020-06May 20, 2020Idaho Water Resource Board recharges about 447,950 acre-feet of water into the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer in winter 2019-20
2020-05May 1, 2020IDWR sends curtailment notices to about 70 Magic Valley ground water users with junior water rights
2020-04April 7, 2020Idaho Water Resource Board opens application period for 2020 State Flood Management Grants; proposals due by June 19, 2020
2020-03March 16, 2020Rangen delivery call to cause curtailment of junior ground water rights not covered by an approved mitigation plan
2020-02January 29, 2020Idaho Water Resource Board close to 90,000 acre-feet of recharge so far in winter 2019-2020
2020-01January 28, 2020Citizens in Palouse Basin reducing ground water use through conservation, but many people are not aware of the problem, officials say
2019-18December 18, 2019IWRB ESPA Final Report sent to Speaker Bedke
2019-17November 20, 2019IWRB reviews options for large recharge sites in the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer region
2019-16October 7, 2019Malad Valley Water Measurement District meeting set for Nov. 4, 2019
2019-15September 25, 2019Idaho Water Resource Board moves forward with 10-year review of Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer sustainability initiatives
2019-14August 15, 2019IDWR issues NOV to Ada County for water flow disruption at Barber Dam
2019-13August 14, 2019IDWR Schedules Public Meetings on Sept. 9-11 to Provide Updates on Phase 3 of the Northern Idaho Adjudications
2019-12July 30, 2019Idaho Water Resource Board approves 10 Flood-Managment grants for $870,000
2019-11July 25, 2019ESPA water volume decreases slightly: up 1.8 million acre-feet since 2015
2019-10June 25, 2019IDWR encourges water users to continue filing water claims for the Palouse Basin Adjudication
2019-09June 13, 2019IDWR issues curtailment order to Eastern Snake Plain ground water users for 2019 irrigation season
2019-08June 4, 2019IDWR officials will be in Moscow June 11-13 to assist with water rights claims for the Palouse Basin Adjudication
2019-07May 15, 2019Idaho Water Resource Board tours Lower Clearwater Water Exchange collaborative project with the Nez Perce Tribe
2019-06May 8, 2019IDWR officials to host public workshops in Moscow to assist with water rights claims for the Palouse Basin Adjudication
2019-05April 19, 2019Idaho Water Resource Board seeks grant applications for flood damage, flood management, and prevention
2019-04April 17, 2019IDWR issues order to Snake Plain water users for 2019 irrigation season, predicting 20,900 acre-foot shortfall; junior ground water pumpers may be affected
2019-03April 10, 2019IDWR requests water rights claims for Palouse Basin Adjudication
2019-02March 26, 2019Idaho Water Resource Board expects to recharge 290,000 acre-feet of water into the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer in Winter 2018-19
2019-01January 31, 2019Idaho Water Resource Board lauds ESPA cities settlement agreement that contributes 7,650 acre-feet annually to help restore the ESPA
2018-26November 30, 2018Lewiston Plateau deep aquifer study provides insight into areas where groundwater development may be sustainable or less reliable
2018-25November 30, 2018Idaho Water Resource Board expects to recharge 170,000 acre-feet of water into the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer in Winter 2018-19
2018-24October 24, 2018Idaho Water Resource Board approves $4.3 million loan to N. Fremont Canal System for Phase 3 of Marysville gravity-pressurized irrigation pipeline project
2018-23September 21, 2018Idaho Water Resource Board tours multiple fish-enhancement projects in the Lemhi River area, approves $232,930 in flood management grants
2018-22September 20, 2018Idaho Water Resource Board approves $115,460 flood-management grant to Nez Perce County and Nez Perce SWCD to prevent damage to rural road
2018-21August 8, 201836 groundwater users in ESPA region face curtailment for failing to install groundwater flow meters; most water users in compliance
2018-20July 31, 2018Idaho Water Resource Board approves flood-management grants, moves ahead with 2nd phase of Priest Lake project
2018-19July 31, 2018Idaho Water Resource Board approves 10 flood-management grants statewide, $3.7 million for ESPA recharge infrastructure
2018-18July 13, 2018Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer sees largest annual increase in water volume in more than 80 years
2018-17June 7, 2018Jo Ann Cole-Hansen of Lewiston appointed to Idaho Water Resource Board
2018-16May 22, 2018Idaho Water Resource Board expects to recharge 524,000 acre-feet into the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer in winter 2017-18
2018-15May 22, 2018Idaho Water Resource Board approves $600,000 for improvements to Priest Lake
2018-14May 21, 2018Idaho Water Resource Board seeks grant applications for flood damage, flood management, and prevention
2018-13May 17, 2018IDWR issues final notice requiring compliance with ground water flow meter order
2018-12April 5, 2018Experts to discuss statewide water supply Thursday, April 12
2018-11March 27, 2018Idaho Water Resource Board expects 440,000 acre-feet of recharge flow into the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer due to water surplus
2018-10March 26, 2018Inquiry into the potential for recharging the Wood River Aquifer shows poor aquifer-retention rates
2018-09March 5, 2018Experts to discuss statewide water supply Friday, March 9
2018-08February 20, 2018IDWR reminds groundwater pumpers of April 1 deadline for installing groundwater meters
2018-07February 16, 2018Idaho Senate approves appointment of Dr. John Rusche to the Idaho Water Resource Board
2018-06February 16, 2018Idaho Water Resource Board passes 250,000 acre-foot milestone for aquifer recharge, expects to reach 370,000 acre-feet this spring
2018-05February 2, 2018Experts to discuss statewide water supply Friday, February 9
2018-04January 30, 2018Idaho Water Resource Board expects to set new record with up to 370,000 acre-feet of recharge into ESPA in 2018
2018-03January 30, 2018Idaho Water Resource Board supports funding package for improving Priest Lake outlet dam, breakwater
2018-02January 8, 2018Idaho Water Resource Board expected to surpass 200,000 acre-feet of recharge into ESPA this week, may reach 300,000+ a.f. this spring
2018-01January 3, 2018Water Experts to Assess the Water Supply at January 2018 Meeting
2017-22November 10, 2017Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer figures to get 280,000 acre-feet of water recharge this winter
2017-21October 27, 2017Priest Lake study recommends replacing outlet dam, improving Thorofare and maintaining pool levels for summer recreation
2017-20September 27, 2017Roger Chase, Chairman of the Idaho Water Resource Board, to address the U.S. Senate Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water and Power
2017-19September 22, 2017Idaho Water Resource Board tours potential route for new Mountain Home AFB water supply project, hears community support
2017-18September 5, 2017<!---->Dr. John Rusche of Lewiston named to Idaho Water Resource Board<!---->
2017-17August 2, 2017Idaho Water Resource Board approves funds for two additional projects to increase capacity to Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer recharge program
2017-16July 20, 2017Steve Stuebner PR & Marketing wins 2-year contract with the Idaho Department of Water Resources, Idaho Water Resource Board
2017-15July 6, 2017Unprecedented team effort by local, state and federal agencies helps communities cope with epic winter of 2016-17 and spring flooding
2017-14May 22, 2017Idaho Water Resource Board approves funding for phase II study of Lewiston Regional Aquifer to learn more how it functions
2017-13May 18, 2017Idaho Water Resource Board stops Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer recharge operations; surplus flows no longer available on Snake River
2017-12May 4, 2017Experts to discuss statewide water supply Thursday, May 11
2017-11April 13, 2017New law allows for temporary use of surplus water to prevent floods, recharge aquifers or address water-quality issues
2017-10April 12, 2017Water experts to discuss water supply Thursday, April 13
2017-09March 28, 2017Idaho Water Resource Board approves recommendations on four dredge-mining permits on the South Fork of the Clearwater River
2017-08March 28, 2017Idaho Water Resource Board approves $2.4 million sale of Pristine Springs fish hatchery to College of Southern Idaho
2017-07March 2, 2017Water Experts to Assess the Water Supply at March 2017 Meeting
2017-06February 16, 2017Senate confirms four Idaho Water Resource Board members
2017-05February 10, 2017IDWR Director issues statement regarding Oakley Dam
2017-04February 7, 2017Idaho Water Resource Board passes resolution opposing fish-passage for salmon, steelhead above Hells Canyon complex
2017-03February 3, 2017Water Experts to Assess the Water Supply at February 2017 Meeting
2017-02January 26, 2017Snowpack looks strong in Idaho, except in the Panhandle
2017-01January 3, 2017Water Experts to Assess the Water Supply at January 2017 Meeting
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