Groundwater Districts Overview
The Idaho Legislature adopted the Groundwater District Act in 1995 which enables land owners holding groundwater irrigation rights to organize their own groundwater district pursuant to a local election authorized by a county commission.
The creation and organization of a groundwater district is similar to that of an irrigation organization, and it has broader authorities than a water measurement district. The groundwater district can perform the measurement and reporting functions required by law and levy assessments. Additionally, the groundwater district may represent its members in various water use issues and related legal matters, develop and operate mitigation and recharge plans, and perform other duties as described under Idaho Code § 42-5224.
IDWR works with groundwater districts in various capacities and as it relates to the work of the Department.
Helpful Links
- Idaho Groundwater District Handbook
- Idaho Code § 42-5201 et seq. – Groundwater Districts
Groundwater Districts
| Groundwater District | Date Designated | Map |
|---|---|---|
| American Falls-Aberdeen Area | June 10, 1996 | Map |
| Big Lost River | November 14, 2016 | Map |
| Bingham | August 8, 1996 | Map |
| Bonneville-Jefferson | February 1, 2000 | Map |
| Carey Valley | November 14, 2006 | Map |
| Galena | November 16, 2015 | Map |
| Jefferson Clark | November 27, 2006 | Map |
| Madison | May 26, 1999 | Map |
| Magic Valley | February 12, 1996 | Map |
| North Snake | February 6, 1996 | Map |
| Raft River | November 20, 2006 | Map |
| South Valley | May 27, 2015 | Map |
| Henry's Fork | November 7, 2017 | Map |
Groundwater Districts Contacts
Contacts
- Ground Water District Contacts – a list of groundwater district contacts
- IDWR water distribution team – for general questions regarding groundwater districts