Idaho Code Title 74 Chapter 1 (§74-101 et seq.)
A “Public record” includes, but is not limited to, any writing containing information relating to the conduct or administration of the public’s business prepared, owned, used or retained by any state agency, independent public body corporate and politic or local agency regardless of physical form or characteristics. Idaho Code §74-101(13).
Anyone can request to examine and make copies of public records and information from the Idaho Department of Water Resources. However, not all information requests require a Public Record Request. Information pertaining to how IDWR operates, and requests for copies of agency policies, forms, procedures, pamphlets, booklets, and other information designed for distribution, do not require submitting a Public Record Request.
Information and records on water rights, well locations, well depths, etc. can be found on IDWR’s website at the links listed on the right side of this page. If you are unsure whether your request is a Public Records Request or an Information Request, please do not hesitate to contact IDWR’s public records coordinator (contact information below).
Requesting Public Records
Requests for public records must be in writing. Requests can be mailed, emailed, faxed, or dropped off in person at your nearest IDWR office. Your request must include your name, contact information and a detailed description of the record(s) you are requesting. The more specific you can be, the better we are able to respond to your request.
There may be a fee associated with the request if: you require copies of the record(s), the request is for more than one hundred (100) pages of paper records, nonpublic information must be redacted from the record(s), or if it takes staff longer than two hours to compile and supply the record(s). See Idaho Code §74-102 (10)(b).
IDWR can only fulfill requests for which it is the custodian of the records.
Idaho State Code exempts certain documents from public disclosure, in which case you will be notified.
Use of any list as a mailing list or telephone list is prohibited by Idaho Code § 74-120 and punishable by a civil penalty up to $1,000.
To request IDWR public records, please contact publicrecordsrequest@idwr.idaho.gov or call (208) 287-4800.
Are you a Real Estate Professional looking for Water Right or Well information?
Use these resources to aid your search:
Information and Records Available on IDWR’s Website
For help finding records and information from the links below, contact your nearest IDWR office.
Idaho Public Records Act
For more information on Idaho’s Public Records Act see Idaho Code Title 74 Chapter 1 (§74-1) and the Office of the Attorney General’s Idaho Public Records Law Manual.
