Op-Ed: The truth about Idaho’s farms and water in eastern Idaho. By Blayne Wright (07/24/24).

idahodispatch.com/op-ed-the-truth-about…

This article offered a clear and (to our non-farmer eyes) balanced explanation of the issues facing farmers in water-strapped Idaho; the implication of “first in time, first in right” water rights; and the respective responsibilities of farmers, water districts, and government.

Wright explains that senior right holders (first in time) — typically surface water users — get their allotment first, followed by junior right holders, who are primarily groundwater users.

The recent water issues apparently stem from some water users failing to adhere to previously made agreements.

His closing paragraphs state:

Our state government is upholding our Constitutional laws, and our surface water users are simply asking to receive the water they need to keep their farms in business.

We all want the same thing here: enough water to plant our crops, feed our cattle, and supply our communities with clean drinking water. It’s time we … start working together as neighbors towards a long-term solution that supports all eastern Idaho water users.