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Idaho's Water: Supply and Quality in a Time of Growth
Andrus Center for Public Policy Publications and Presentations
Document Type
White Paper
Publication Date
4-1-2018
DOI
https://doi.org/10.18122/andrus_center_pubs/1/boisestate
Disciplines
Abstract
- While the Treasure Valley is water rich, the East Snake River Plain has used collaborative governance to curb decreasing aquifer levels. Collaborative governance allows all stakeholders a seat at the table, supporting the development and involvement of these groups could be a useful mechanism for representing the perspectives and interests of all Idahoans.
- Water supply might change in the future, particularly the timing of peak streamflow. This has major implications for irrigation in the valley.
- We do not currently have enough data and information to confidently determine how growth of the urban area and loss of agricultural land will impact total water needs in the Treasure Valley. Density of urban growth and associated urban outdoor water use are major factors of uncertainty.
- Creative market solutions could be a valuable tool for trading water, but they need sufficient oversight in their development to decrease the risk of rural communities losing their water to urban growth. There are examples of these markets being successful in other growing western cities.
- Water quality has been improving in some areas due to innovative solutions and stakeholder engagement.
Copyright Statement
© 2018, Andrus Center for Public Policy, Boise State University - School of Public Service.
Citation Information
Kendra Kaiser and John Freemuth. "Idaho's Water: Supply and Quality in a Time of Growth" (2018) Available at: http://works.bepress.com/kendra-kaiser/14/