Idaho Water Transaction Program

The Idaho Water Resource Board implemented the Water Transactions Program in 2003, as a Qualified Local Entity of the Columbia Basin Water Transactions Program (CBWTP). The CBWTP was started in 2002 to support innovative, voluntary, grassroots strategies that improve flows to streams and rivers in the Columbia Basin.


The CBWTP is managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of fish and wildlife, working in partnership with the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). The majority of funding is provided by BPA in cooperation with the Northwest Power and Conservation Council (NPCC).


The Water Transaction Program philosophy is simple:

  • Improve fish and wildlife habitat
  • Respect private property rights
  • Respect the values of irrigated agriculture
  • Work locally using market-based strategies
  • Take a balanced approach

Water Transactions Program brochure


The Idaho Water Resource Board has also used Pacific Coast Salmon Recovery Fund grants to leverage the money received through the CBWTP. In 2008, the State of Idaho signed the Idaho Fish Accord with BPA. One part of the Accord, the Idaho Water Transactions Fund, provides $7.6 million over ten years to fund water transactions in the Lemhi and Pahsimeroi River basins.


Monitoring and Evaluation



For more information on the
Water Transaction Program contact:

Water Planning Bureau
Morgan Case
322 East Front Street
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0098

Phone: (208) 287-4838
Fax: (208) 287-6700



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