Public Records Request Overview
Idaho Public Records Act
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).
Information and records on water rights, well locations, well depths, etc. are publicly available on IDWR’s website at the links listed on this page and do not require a Public Records Request. If you need help locating water right or well information on IDWR’s website, please do not hesitate to contact your nearest IDWR office.
Fees
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 locate and compile the record(s). See Idaho Code §74-102 (10)(b) and IDWR’s Admin. Memo Records No. 14, Process and Procedure for Responding to Public Records Requests.
Information Request or Public Records Request?
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 at publicrecordsrequest@idwr.idaho.gov or call (208) 287-4800.
Requesting Public Records
Anyone can request to examine and make copies of public records and information from the Idaho Department of Water Resources.
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,
- a detailed description of the record(s) you are requesting, and
- a completed Declaration of Residency Form.
Effective July 1, 2025 and pursuant to to Idaho Code § 74-102(4), requestors seeking public records of the State of Idaho must submit a written declaration attesting to Idaho residency.
To avoid delays in the delivery of records, please complete and return the Declaration of Residency Form with your request for public records.
Please know that:
- 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.
For additional guidance on requesting public records, see the Office of the Attorney General’s Idaho Public Records Law Manual.
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?
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