Water Measurement Overview
Originally created to support the measurement of groundwater on the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer (ESPA), the Water Measurement program now functions statewide to establish, maintain, and implement state water measurement and reporting standards. IDWR works directly with
water districts and water measurement districts to implement measurement requirements and programs within the state. Examples of these efforts include:
- Closed conduit and open channel measurement methods.
- Diversion and control works for surface water and groundwater diversions.
- Automation, data logging, and telemetry of water diversion and measurement systems.
- Development and maintenance of reporting systems for water diversion measurements.
Water Diversion Measurement Network
The Water Diversion Measurement Network provides public access to flow measurement data associated with various locations monitored or managed by IDWR. Recorded data can be viewed or downloaded at a variety of time scales ranging from 15-minute averages to annual volumes depending on how the data was collected. Click here to find your location of interest and access the related flow measurement data.
Daily Time Series (Water District Diversion Database)
View and print data and graphs for points of diversion including daily diversion records for certain surface water diversions and some groundwater diversions for which regular flow rate measurements are taken.
Telemetric Time Series (Aqua Info)
Chart or download flow measurements in 15 minute and average daily time series. Water measurement data are transmitted using telemetry equipment. ALL DATA ARE PROVISIONAL AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
Annual Time Series (WMIS)
Research water delivery measurements and estimations of annual water usage including information related to irrigation wells on the Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer and other ground and surface water points of diversion for which annual delivery totals are recorded.
Guidelines to Collect Water Measurement Data
Use the following guidelines and procedures to collect water measurement data and report that information to IDWR. Using these procedures provides a uniform measuring and reporting method within the State of Idaho, including within water districts. The information below also assists in measuring and reporting diversions pursuant to various water measurement orders issued by IDWR.
Publications
Publications and Media
- Water Works (USBR Water Measurement video)
- Let’s Measure Up (IWUA and IDWR Water Measurement video)
- USBR Water Measurement Manual
- University of Idaho Water Measurement pamphlet
- Department Performance Evaluation of Doppler Flow Meters – Executive Summary with Deployment Recommendations
- Department Performance Evaluation of Doppler Flow Meters – Technical Memorandum
Measurement Data Resources
Water Conversion Factors
Water Conversion Factors (printable)
Water Measurement Contacts
IDWR water distribution team – for general questions regarding water measurement
In 1995, the Idaho Legislature passed Idaho Code § 42-706 that authorized IDWR’s Director to create Water Measurement Districts to accomplish measurement and reporting of diversions outside of established water districts. Specific legislative intent was given to creating measurement districts as expeditiously as possible within the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer (ESPA).
Water Measurement Forms
Visit the Water Measurement Forms webpage to view and download forms.
ESPA Measurement Order
Helpful Links
- Water Districts
- Water Measurement Districts
- Water Rights Accounting
- Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer Model
- Idaho Code § 42-701 – General statutory requirement for water measurement and reporting in Idaho