BOISE, Idaho — It's a precious resource, it's the lifeblood of our economy, and vital to all life. Water, and the harnessing of it, is what made Idaho what it is today. So valuable, it's worth fighting over. Which is what has been happening more frequently lately.
Perhaps you heard about the threat of water being shut off for a good chunk of Idaho farmers earlier this summer because of a shortage in supply and accusations of rules not being followed. That curtailment threat was resolved but that got us thinking about the larger story. In this 208 special on the fight for Idaho’s water, we’re going to do our best to explain what's at stake and who's involved. From senior rights, to junior rights. Who gets how much water, and when, and what curtailment means.
It's a story that goes back to the beginning before Idaho was a state when the valuable aquifer was formed. But it's an issue that could cripple our AG industry if solutions aren't figured out soon. Good news is, they are working on those right now.